By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. (PGTI) has announced the cancellation of the Negros Occidental and Bacolod legs of the 2025 ICTSI Junior PGT Championship following the recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in the Negros Island Region.

“We understand the disappointment this may cause for everyone who has been preparing for these events,” PGTI said in an official statement.

“However, the safety of all involved remains our top priority,” it added.

The Negros Occidental leg, originally scheduled for May 14 to 16, was part of the JPGT Visayas-Mindanao series.

It was to be followed by the Bacolod Golf and Country Club event at Barangay Binitin in Negros Occidental’s Murcia town from May 19 to 21.

Meanwhile, the Mindanao swing will proceed as scheduled, kicking off with the first leg at the Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon from June 25 to 27.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Kanlaon erupted at 2:55 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, releasing a thick gray plume that rose approximately three kilometers above the crater.

Ashfall was reported in several areas of Negros Occidental, including La Carlota City’s Barangay Cubay, San Miguel, Yubo, and Ara-al; Bago City’s Barangay Ilijan and Binubuhan, as well as La Castellana town’s Barangay Biak na Bato, Sag-ang and Masalanao.

Audible rumbling from the eruption was also heard at Barangay Pula in Negros Oriental’s Canlaon City, and parts of Negros Occidental’s La Castellana town./ASC, WDJ