BACOLOD City – With the looming threat of Kanlaon Volcano’s unrest, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has announced comprehensive evacuation and safety measures for its La Granja Agricultural and Research Center (LGAREC) in La Carlota City, which could be impacted by volcanic activity.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has raised the alert level to 2 for Kanlaon Volcano following 13 recorded volcanic earthquakes, signaling the potential for phreatic explosions at any moment.
SRA administrator Pablo Luis Azcona disclosed that contingency plans are robust, with predefined vehicle assignments for transporting personnel and established pickup points for rapid evacuation.
“We have established skeletal teams ready to manage the station and they will be the last to leave if evacuation becomes necessary,” Azcona elaborated.
Additionally, in the event that LGAREC is deemed part of a safe zone, the facility is prepared to serve as a shelter for farmers affected by the eruption.
Essential safety equipment, including masks, has been distributed among the team members, and vehicles are maintained on standby for immediate deployment.
Despite the volcanic threat, current conditions at LGAREC remain stable, with no ash observed on the fields, likely due to recent heavy rainfall.
Azcona added, “There is little to no sulfur smell, which we attribute to the rainfall preventing the spread of ash.”/PN
