By JEN BAYLON

La Carlota City’s Pasalamat Festival, originally set for April 21 to 27, has been postponed indefinitely due to safety concerns and logistical challenges caused by Kanlaon Volcano’s unrest.

“It’s just postponed, not canceled. It depends on Kanlaon’s status,” La Carlota City Mayor Rex Jalando-on said in a Facebook video post yesterday.

“We don’t have a date yet. If [volcanic activity] subsides, then we will continue. Once we resolve our water issues, we will celebrate,” he added.

Jalando-on said the postponement of this year’s Pasalamat Festival was decided by careful deliberation with local government unit’s department heads, barangay captains, event organizers, and key stakeholders.

“Isa ini ka mabudlay kag mabug-at nga desisyon,” he said.

He also revealed that artists had already been invited to perform at the event, and assured that they would still be compensated according to their contracts despite the postponement.

The mayor emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety during this crisis while maintaining hope for future celebrations.

Kanlaon’s recent explosive eruption on Tuesday, April 8, has disrupted tourism and cultural activities across Negros Occidental.

The closures of several resorts in localities surrounding Kanlaon underscore the ongoing challenges faced by tourism-dependent establishments near the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.

Earlier, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said tourism activities in areas near Kanlaon have been suspended to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists following the eruption.

“All tourism activities near Mt. Kanlaon, including treks and visits to nearby destinations such as La Carlota City, Bago City, La Castellana, and other surrounding areas in Negros Occidental, have been temporarily suspended,” the DOT said.

No stranded tourists have been logged as Kanlaon remains at Alert Level 3. / With reports from PNA / JB, WDJ