Abstract

This case study focuses on the June-December 2024 Canlaon volcanic unrest, uncovering underlying factors that contribute to the actions the local authorities and the barangay (local village) officials take during volcanic episodes. The researchers used qualitative analysis to review and examine interviews of the decision makers to determine their hazard awareness, operational procedures, and response efforts. This paper focuses on the challenges of local officials when eruptive episodes occur. They were interviewed about their sentiments on the causes and experiences inside evacuation centers of residents living within the 4-kilometer danger zone, the forced evacuation order, the affected vulnerable groups, livelihood concerns, and residents living outside evacuation centers. The findings of this paper aim to highlight important points and give a deeper understanding of how to improve local disaster risk reduction governance and operational effectiveness in handling future volcanic emergencies.