By JEN BAYLON
The Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has officially declared a state of calamity in the entire province following the magmatic eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Monday, December 9.
The SP unanimously approved a resolution for the state of calamity declaration during a special session yesterday morning.
The resolution, endorsed by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on Thursday, December 12, outlines several critical measures aimed at mitigating the impact of the eruption.
The resolution seeks the immediate release of calamity funds to facilitate emergency response efforts and provide assistance to affected families.
It emphasizes the use of quick response funds, amounting to about P78 million, for emergency operations, including the procurement of goods and services necessary for immediate relief efforts.
A price freeze on essential goods and prime commodities will be implemented to prevent price gouging. This measure aims to ensure that basic needs remain affordable for all residents.
Local officials are authorized to use alternative modes of procurement for emergency work and supplies, ensuring that aid reaches those in need without unnecessary delays.
Local government units had been mobilizing resources earlier this week to provide immediate relief to evacuees affected by the eruption.
Emergency shelters have been established in schools and community centers, equipped with food, water and medical assistance.
The resolution also states that the SP is implored to provide a portion of the calamity fund to be released to extend immediate assistance to those affected by the eruption, aiding the rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts of the provincial government.
Community volunteers are also stepping up to help distribute supplies and provide emotional support to those affected by the eruption.
Kanlaon Volcano’s eruption on Monday prompted the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to raise Alert Level 3 over the volcano, indicating “a magmatic eruption may progress to further explosive eruptions.”
Kanlaon continued to display “high seismic activities,” recording two ash emission events and 31 volcanic earthquakes as of Wednesday, December 11.
A total of 3,678 families, composed of 12,409 persons, evacuated from 18 barangays in the cities of Bago and La Carlota, as well as in the towns of La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Pontevedra, and Murcia. /JB, WDJ