Louie Sison
The Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia, is home to numerous active volcanoes due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
This tectonic setting makes the country prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) monitors these volcanoes to ensure public safety.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the active volcanoes in the Philippines, their characteristics, and their historical significance.
Luzon
1. Mayon Volcano
- Location: Albay, Bicol Region
- Elevation: 2,460 meters (8,070 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 2023
- Description: Known for its perfect cone shape, Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines with over 50 recorded eruptions since 1616. It is a popular tourist destination and a significant cultural landmark.
2. Taal Volcano
- Location: Batangas
- Elevation: 311 meters (1,020 feet)
- Type: Caldera
- Last Eruption: 2020
- Description: Taal is one of the smallest active volcanoes in the world but is known for its violent eruptions. It is situated within a lake, making it a picturesque yet dangerous site.
3. Pinatubo
- Location: Boundaries of Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales
- Elevation: 1,486 meters (4,875 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 1993
- Description: The 1991 eruption of Pinatubo was one of the largest in the 20th century, causing global climatic effects. The eruption created a caldera now filled with a lake.
4. Bulusan
- Location: Sorsogon, Bicol Region
- Elevation: 1,565 meters (5,135 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 2022
- Description: Bulusan is known for its sudden phreatic eruptions. It has four craters and several hot springs around its base.
5. Banahaw
- Location: Boundaries of Laguna and Quezon
- Elevation: 2,170 meters (7,119 feet)
- Type: Complex volcano
- Last Eruption: 1909
- Description: Banahaw is considered a holy mountain by locals and is a popular pilgrimage site. It has several peaks and thermal areas.
6. Iriga
- Location: Camarines Sur
- Elevation: 1,143 meters (3,750 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 1628 (discredited)
- Description: Iriga has a large crater formed by a debris avalanche. It is less active compared to other volcanoes in the region.
7. Isarog
- Location: Camarines Sur
- Elevation: 1,966 meters (6,450 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 3,500 BCE
- Description: Isarog is known for its rich biodiversity and is a protected area. It has active fumaroles and hot springs.
8. Cagua
- Location: Cagayan
- Elevation: 1,160 meters (3,810 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 1860
- Description: Cagua has a history of explosive eruptions and is known for its solfataric activity.
9. Camiguin de Babuyanes
- Location: Babuyan Island Group, Cagayan
- Elevation: 712 meters (2,336 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 1857
- Description: This volcano is part of the Babuyan Islands and is known for its well-forested slopes.
10. Didicas
- Location: Babuyan Island Group, Cagayan
- Elevation: 843 meters (2,766 feet)
- Type: Submarine volcano
- Last Eruption: 1978
- Description: Didicas emerged from the sea in 1952 and has had several eruptions since then.
11. Smith
- Location: Babuyan Island Group, Cagayan
- Elevation: 688 meters (2,257 feet)
- Type: Cinder cone
- Last Eruption: 1924
- Description: Smith is the youngest volcano in the Babuyan Islands and has had multiple eruptions.
12. Babuyan Claro
- Location: Babuyan Island Group, Cagayan
- Elevation: 843 meters (2,766 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 1917
- Description: Babuyan Claro is known for its strombolian and phreatomagmatic eruptions.
13. Iraya
- Location: Batan Island, Batanes
- Elevation: 1,009 meters (3,310 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 1454
- Description: Iraya is the northernmost active volcano in the Philippines and is considered sacred by the Ivatan people.
Visayas
1. Kanlaon
- Location: Negros Oriental
- Elevation: 2,435 meters (7,989 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 2006
- Description: Kanlaon is the highest point in the Visayas and is a popular destination for mountain climbers. It has erupted around 30 times since 1819.
2. Biliran
- Location: Biliran
- Elevation: 1,340 meters (4,400 feet)
- Type: Complex volcano
- Last Eruption: 1939
- Description: Biliran is known for its solfataric activity and hot springs. The volcano caused the formation of Biliran Island.
3. Cabalian
- Location: Southern Leyte
- Elevation: 945 meters (3,100 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 1820
- Description: Cabalian has a lake in its crater and is known for its andesitic composition.
Mindanao
1. Hibok-Hibok
- Location: Camiguin
- Elevation: 1,332 meters (4,370 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 1953
- Description: Hibok-Hibok has erupted several times in the 20th century, causing significant damage. It has hot springs and fumaroles.
2. Makaturing
- Location: Lanao del Sur
- Elevation: 1,940 meters (6,360 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 1882
- Description: Makaturing is part of the Central Mindanao Arc and has a history of explosive eruptions.
3. Matutum
- Location: South Cotabato
- Elevation: 2,286 meters (7,500 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 1911 (uncertain)
- Description: Matutum is known for its hot springs and is a prominent landmark in South Cotabato.
4. Musuan
- Location: Bukidnon
- Elevation: 646 meters (2,119 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 1887
- Description: Musuan is a low volcano with a history of phreatic eruptions. It is also known as Calayo.
5. Parker
- Location: South Cotabato
- Elevation: 1,784 meters (5,853 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 1641
- Description: Also known as Mélébingóy, Parker has a large caldera lake and is considered sacred by the T’boli people.
6. Ragang
- Location: Lanao del Sur and Cotabato
- Elevation: 2,815 meters (9,236 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 1916
- Description: Ragang, also known as Blue Mountain, is the highest point in Lanao del Sur and has a history of explosive eruptions.
7. Leonard Kniaseff
- Location: Davao de Oro
- Elevation: 1,340 meters (4,400 feet)
- Type: Stratovolcano
- Last Eruption: 120 AD
- Description: Leonard Kniaseff has a caldera lake and is known for its thermal features.
8. Bud Dajo
- Location: Sulu
- Elevation: 620 meters (2,030 feet)
- Type: Cinder cone
- Last Eruption: Unknown
- Description: Bud Dajo is an extinct volcano and a sacred site for the Tausug people. It was the site of the Moro Crater Massacre during the Philippine-American War.
Conclusion
The Philippines’ active volcanoes are a testament to the country’s dynamic geological landscape.
These volcanoes not only shape the physical environment but also influence the cultural and historical aspects of the regions they are located in. Understanding and monitoring these volcanoes are crucial for disaster preparedness and risk reduction.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) plays a vital role in this regard, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Filipino people.
Note: This is not an official list. The volcanoes included here are based on our own research.
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