By CESAR JOLITO III

The Negros Occidental provincial government continues to strengthen its coordination with local government units (LGUs) amid the possible escalation of alert status of Kanlaon Volcano, according to Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II.

Diaz said efforts are ongoing to ensure readiness, particularly in areas that may be affected should the volcano be raised to Alert Level 3.

These include intensified planning, relocation preparations and inter-agency coordination.

In La Castellana town, the documentation for a new relocation site has already been completed, with the transfer of land ownership now being processed.

Diaz added that Mayor La Castellana Anejo Nicor is expected to visit the Provincial Capitol next week to discuss further developments related to the relocation efforts.

The work on the relocation site is also ongoing, particularly the establishment of a stable water supply — seen as a crucial factor in encouraging residents to move.

Diaz emphasized that ensuring access to water would significantly boost relocation compliance among affected families.

Meanwhile, coordination remains active in the cities of La Carlota and Bago, where the provincial government is also assisting in relocation planning and implementation.

The heightened preparedness comes after Donato Sermeno III, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense in Negros Island Region, described the recent volcanic activity of Kanlaon as “alarming,” citing data from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, as raising Alert Level 3 would expand the volcano’s danger zone from four kilometers to six kilometers, potentially affecting up to 6,000 families.

Provincial officials assured the public that contingency measures are in place and urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and cooperate with local authorities in case of evacuation orders./CJ, WDJ