BACOLOD City – The city government of Bago in Negros Occidental has canceled its Christmas party following the recent eruption of Kanlaon volcano, which affected several barangays in the locality.
Mayor Nicholas Yulo announced the cancellation of the Employees’ Year-End Assembly 2024, initially scheduled for December 19, citing the ongoing challenges faced by affected residents.
“In light of the Bagonhons currently staying in evacuation centers and the imminent danger posed by Mt. Kanlaon’s eruption, the City Government of Bago, including officials, department heads, and employees, decided to forgo this year’s celebration,” Yulo said.
Instead, the city government will redirect resources to provide food for residents in evacuation centers as a gesture of solidarity during the holiday season.
Employees’ groups have also committed to adopting evacuation centers for one-day activities to bring Christmas cheer to the displaced families.
In a related move, six schools under the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Bago City have also canceled their Christmas parties. The schools are shifting to modular and online learning starting December 16 in response to the potential risks associated with the volcanic activity, according to a directive issued by the Schools Division Office./PN