BACOLOD City – Due to the Mount Kanlaon explosive eruption on April 8, the La Carlota City Government in Negros Occidental has postponed the celebration of the city’s 43rd Pasalamat Festival supposedly from April 21 to 27.
Mayor Rex Jalando-on, in a video message posted in Facebook, said the decision was reached after thorough consultation with the city and barangay officials, department heads, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC), festival organizers, and other stakeholders.
He further said that the event will proceed once the volcano alert level is downgraded to Alert Level 2.
“Isa ini ka mabudlay kag mabug-at nga desisyon,” he said, adding that this choice was made not out of fear, but out of compassion and responsibility— to put the welfare of the people, especially those affected by the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, above all else.
The city’s efforts, he said, will first focus on disaster response and ensuring that the needs of the affected barangays are fully addressed.
Among the barangays here affected by the ashfall are Ara-al, San Miguel, La Granja, Yubo, Haguimit, and Nagasi.
Also, Ara-al and San Miguel are experiencing low water supply, thus water distribution is ongoing until the La Carlota Water District can provide enough supply for the residents.
Mayor Jalando-on remains hopeful that when the situation normalizes, “we will come together once more — not just to celebrate, but to reflect on the strength, unity and resilience of La Carloteños./PN
