By JEN BAYLON

The Negros Occidental provincial government is eyeing permanent relocation of families living within Kanlaon Volcano’s permanent danger zone (PDZ) as a long-term solution amid the volcano unrest.

“One thing that we would like to do is to really find out if we can relocate the residents within at least a four-kilometer PDZ,” Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said during a meeting together with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo, La Carlota City Mayor Rex Jalando-on, La Castellana Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan, and other concerned agencies yesterday.

Lacson encouraged the three local government units (LGUs) near Kanlaon to identify suitable land for relocation sites.

“If the LGUs are ready to provide land, then maybe we can discuss how to help the relocators,” he added.

This approach not only aims to safeguard lives but also seeks to alleviate the financial burden on LGUs and the provincial government, as repeated evacuations can be costly and disruptive.

“It is very taxing to keep people moving to the evacuation center once there is an eruption,” Lacson remarked.

By relocating residents permanently from PDZ, officials hope to minimize future disruptions and ensure a more stable living environment for those affected, the governor said.

Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said residents living in Kanlaon’s four-kilometer PDZ will be prioritized for the permanent relocation.

The second priority will be families within the six-kilometer expanded danger zone, living in remote areas that are difficult to reach for swift evacuation, Diaz added.

He also urged the affected LGUs to look for relocation sites, including farm lots, for the displaced individuals.

With the uncertainty of an eruption at Kanlaon, Diaz said they will now focus on education, psychological wellness and livelihood intervention for the evacuees.

Furthermore, Lacson also highlighted the immediate needs of internally displaced persons currently residing in evacuation centers following Kanlaon’s explosive eruption last December 9, 2024.

He called on LGUs to provide essential supplies for the evacuees, particularly food, while also noting that support from the provincial government may be extended later on.

Lacson is also planning to further discuss the provincial government’s eruption response with OCD regarding evacuees living outside the danger zone, emphasizing that a coordinated approach will manage the situation effectively.

Earlier, Lacson said they are studying the possibility of allowing evacuees to go home amid Kanlaon Volcano’s continuing restlessness.

Evacuees have become tired and weary staying at the evacuation sites since Kanlaon’s explosive eruption last year, he pointed out.

A total of 12,223 families, composed of 46,781 individuals, in Western and Central Visayas have been affected by the eruption, the OCD reported.

La Castellana town has the highest number of evacuation sites in Negros Occidental with nine, while Bago City has seven and La Carlota City has five./ JB, WDJ