The Canlaon City government in Negros Oriental is optimistic of receiving more disaster response funds and assistance following the province’s declaration of a state of calamity due to the ongoing threat posed by Mt. Kanlaon.

Edna Lhou Masicampo, Canlaon City’s information officer-designate, told the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday, January 1, that the provincial government can now utilize its quick response fund to support those affected by the volcanic activity.

“We are hopeful that more relief aid will come in, especially with the persistent threat of a major eruption,” Masicampo said.

On Tuesday, December 31, 2024, the city government and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) conducted a simulation for an Alert Level 4 scenario, which would require evacuating residents from a 12-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ).

“The exercise helped us identify the challenges and risks of a major eruption, which could potentially affect the entire city,” she added.

Currently, 2,381 families, or 7,638 individuals, have been displaced, with 1,735 families staying in 10 evacuation centers and the rest housed with relatives.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has maintained Alert Level 3 for Mt. Kanlaon due to ongoing magmatic unrest.

“No one has been allowed to return home since the December 9 eruption because the threat remains,” Masicampo said.

PDRRMO chief Adrian Sedillo quoted Board Member Jessica Jane Villanueva, who confirmed that the provincial board voted on December 27 to place the province under a state of calamity, following Vallehermoso town’s earlier declaration. (PNA)