Schools used as evacuation centers amid Kanlaon Volcano's threat displace 11K students

Over 11,000 students in Western and Central Visayas are affected by the need to use school facilities as evacuation centers amid the ongoing threat of Kanlaon Volcano, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Wednesday.

As of March 5, data by DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) showed that 11 schools were being converted as evacuation centers, affecting a total of 11,177 students and 441 personnel.

With this, DepEd said that affected schools have to implement alternative delivery modalities since December 2024 when Kanlaon Volcano erupted. 

“With these overlapping challenges, we are ensuring that education continues—whether through flexible learning options or direct interventions. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our learners and teachers,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement.

He has also assured continued monitoring of the situation and the provision of necessary support for affected schools.

DepEd also said that Angara has directed the DRRMS to hold a consultation meeting with schools division offices in Western Visayas and Central Visayas “to assess the most pressing needs before conducting a field visit later this month.”

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Sunday that more than 8,000 individuals or 2,000 families living within the six-kilometer radius of the Kanlaon Volcano’s summit remain in evacuation centers since the volcano erupted on December 9.

Even President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has highlighted the need for close coordination among local governments in identifying locations for evacuation facilities for those affected by the activities of Kanlaon Volcano.

The President said the plan involves identifying safe evacuation sites and establishing permanent relocation areas.

Alert Level 3 remains hoisted over Kanlaon Volcano, signaling a magmatic unrest. — RF, GMA Integrated News