DOST urges continued vigilance amid Kanlaon unrest

CEBU, Philippines — Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. urged the public, particularly residents of Cebu, to remain vigilant amidst Kanlaon Volcano unrest, warning that volcanic ash could still reach the province depending on prevailing weather conditions.

Solidum, who was in Cebu last Monday, July 13, for the opening of the 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week, said the country’s volcano alert level system serves as the public’s guide in understanding the level of volcanic activity and the corresponding hazards.

He explained that Alert Level 1 indicates signs of volcanic unrest such as earthquakes and increased sulfur dioxide emissions, while Alert Level 2 means volcanic activity has intensified and magma is moving upward. Under Alert Level 3, he said, there is already confirmed magma ascent, indicating a heightened risk of hazardous eruptions.

“As long as that level is maintained, Cebu should always consider the possibility of ash being drifted towards the province,” Solidum said.

He noted that while the southwest monsoon (habagat) generally pushes volcanic ash toward the northeast, weather systems such as tropical cyclones can alter wind patterns.

“When a typhoon passes north of Kanlaon, its counterclockwise circulation can also bring ash toward Cebu,” he explained.

Solidum said ashfall is generally not dangerous unless it becomes thick enough to make roads slippery or affect respiratory health.

He advised local government units to immediately clear ash-covered roads and urged motorists to avoid driving through thick ash deposits.

Residents were also advised to keep doors and windows closed and cover their noses and mouths to avoid inhaling fine volcanic ash particles.

Earlier, officials from DOST-PAGASA and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said ashfall affecting Cebu following the moderately explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon.

Meanwhile, Metro Cebu continued to experience good air quality as of 8 A.M. yesterday, based on the latest monitoring report of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-Central Visayas.

Data from the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) showed that both fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and particulate matter (PM10) remained within the “Good” category at the two monitoring stations in Metro Cebu.

At the CAAQMS-Talisay Station, PM2.5 registered a concentration of 24.9 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), equivalent to an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 50, while PM10 recorded 34 µg/m³ with an AQI of 32.

At the CAAQMS-TVI Station, PM2.5 measured 7.5 µg/m³ with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 15, while PM10 reached 16 µg/m³, also with an AQI of 15. Both readings were likewise classified as “Good.”

EMB-Central Visayas also reported that the temperature was 27.8 degrees Celsius, with winds blowing from the west at a speed of two meters per second. The agency said it continues to closely monitor air quality conditions in Metro Cebu and will issue public advisories as necessary. — (FREEMAN)