Photo credit: Moises Padilla DRRMO

Kanlaon Volcano's ongoing eruption has sent thousands of families scrambling to safety. Authorities are pulling out all the stops to ensure people are out of harm's way. Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has directed officials to ramp up evacuation messaging and make sure everyone in danger zones gets the memo loud and clear.

With nearly 10,000 individuals already evacuated from 20 barangays across Negros Occidental and hundreds more from Negros Oriental, the Regional Task Force Kanlaon Emergency Operation Center has been activated in Bago City, with plans to set up additional coordinating hubs in Bacolod City.

But here's the challenge: while some residents are already safe in evacuation centers, the turnout of evacuees remains lower than expected. To address this, Teodoro ordered local and national agencies to intensify communication efforts, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. Local radio stations, including trusted names like Bombo Radyo and Aksyon Radyo, will be key in spreading the word—especially to communities still reluctant to leave.

Areas to Watch Out For

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has recommended mandatory evacuation for areas within a 6-kilometer danger zone around the crater. Here's a quick rundown of the barangays most at risk:

• Negros Occidental: Ilijan (Bago City), Ara-al and Yubo (La Carlota City), Biaknabato, Cabagnaan, and Mansalanao (La Castellana), among others.
• Negros Oriental: Masulog, Pula, Malaiba, and Lumapao (Canlaon City).


The Immediate Response

Efforts are already in full swing to meet evacuees' needs. As of now:

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has 80,000 family food packs ready for distribution, with 5,000 hygiene kits and 100 water filtration kits on standby.

Health advisories on ashfall safety have been released, and the Department of Health (DOH) is closely monitoring evacuees' well-being. They’re focusing on clean water, sanitation, and mental health support while coordinating for N95 mask supplies.

“Safety First—No One Left Behind”

Authorities are taking a no-compromise stance on safety. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and PHIVOLCS are working together to conduct aerial surveys to assess the situation and pinpoint areas still at risk. Meanwhile, regional officials are planning further logistics to relocate and assist residents.

In Negros Oriental, urgent needs such as family tents and water supplies are being addressed with support from the National Capital Region. Relief teams from Region V are also on standby to assist in Region VI.

The Takeaway

Secretary Teodoro's message is crystal clear: the safety of evacuees is the top priority. Whether it's through radio stations, social media, or on-the-ground coordination, every effort is being made to ensure residents understand the risks and make it safely to evacuation centers.

As the situation develops, local governments and agencies are working around the clock to secure food, shelter, and health services for those affected. For