Tourism in Canlaon City Rebounds After Alert Downgrade
Tourism in Canlaon City is showing signs of recovery after the alert level status of Mt. Kanlaon was lowered from level 3 to level 2, community members reported. This development has encouraged the reopening of popular tourist destinations, drawing visitors back to the area.
Local officials confirmed that all tourist sites previously closed due to the Mt. Kanlaon eruption on December 9, 2024, are now accessible. These include the famed Padudusan Falls and Natural Water Slide, the Bao-bao viewing deck, the Balete Tree, and Quipot Falls, all located beyond the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone.
Safety Measures and Visitor Experience
The city’s acting Information Officer shared that safety protocols remain firmly in place to protect visitors should volcanic activity increase again. “These tourist sites are beyond the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone of Mt. Kanlaon, and we have set in place safety and security measures in the event of heightened volcanic unrest that would warrant evacuation or even closure,” he explained.
He also noted a positive change at Padudusan Falls, where many tourists were seen enjoying the natural water slide and swimming in clear waters, a stark contrast to previous months when mudflows caused by heavy rains had affected the area.
Visitors are encouraged to register upon arrival either at the City Tourism Office or at the sites themselves to ensure proper monitoring and safety.
Tourist Arrivals and Economic Outlook
City Tourism Officer Isabel Ann Clerigo expressed optimism about a steady increase in tourist numbers following the lifting of the closure orders. From January to June 2025, accommodation facilities recorded a total of 9,895 visitors, including 122 foreign tourists and 9,773 local travelers.
Since its reopening in February, the historic Balete Tree attracted 11,438 visitors, consisting of 72 foreigners and 11,366 locals. These establishments are situated safely beyond the extended 12-kilometer danger zone designated around the volcano.
Clerigo noted that while it is still early to gauge the full impact of the reopening on tourism statistics, monitoring efforts will commence in September to track visitor trends more accurately.
Official Actions Supporting Tourism Recovery
On August 15, the city’s mayor signed Executive Order No. 2025-15, officially lifting the closure of the tourism sites after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology downgraded the volcano’s alert level. This move has been welcomed by local tourism stakeholders eager to revive the city’s economic activity.
For more news and updates on tourism in Canlaon City, visit Filipinokami.com.
