The Negros Occidental provincial government recently revealed nearly half a billion pesos has been set aside as disaster response funding. Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, Dr. Ma. Lina Sanogal, noted, P160 million is from the 2018 budget.

“Aside from the budget, there is also an existing savings of P325 million from the past five years,” she added.

Sanogal said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) is prioritizing preparedness and quick response measures against flooding and the possible eruption of the Mt. Kanlaon.

While there is no immediate threat of a volcanic eruption, the PDRRMC agreed evacuation sites should still be in place.

Sanogal also said the PDRRMC agreed on the need for an evacuation center located on provincial government property in Talisay City; while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) offered the provincial government P20 million for the construction of another evacuation center, set to be built in Bago City.

The evacuation centers were proposed for Talisay City and Bago City as they have both suffered from massive flooding over the past year, she explained.

Meanwhile, the provincial official said a portion of the funds will set up office for Task Force Buglas, which ensures coordinated quick response to disasters and terror threats./DGB, WDJ