By JEN BAYLON
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson will convene with the Office of Civil Defense in Western Visayas (OCD-6) next week to discuss the establishment of tent cities for internally displaced persons due to Kanlaon Volcano’s explosive eruption.
“I want to hear how they will sustain the people in the tent city. I want to know where the budget is coming from,” Lacson said, highlighting the importance of financial planning in addressing the crisis.
When asked about the operational plans of the OCD-6 regarding the tent cities, Lacson acknowledged that, while there has been coordination with local government units (LGUs), he has not yet had an in-depth discussion with them.
“I believe they have coordinated with the LGU, but I have not sat down with them,” he said, indicating a need for further collaboration.
Lacson noted that La Castellana town, La Carlota City and Bago City have already identified relocation sites for affected families.
“In La Castellana, their mayor is ready to relocate 36 families within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone, and it would be good if we could really relocate them,” he added.
Lacson said LGUs have to decide whether displaced residents can return to their homes, taking into account their livelihoods and overall well-being.
“If you live outside the six-kilometer permanent danger zone, it’s up to the LGU to allow them to decamp due to their livelihood,” he explained.
Lacson emphasized the importance of learning from experiences during previous eruptions.
“At least it shows something that we learn. Let’s relocate them now,” Lacson said.
“Just in case, in the future, we don’t need to evacuate anybody because they are no longer within a four-kilometer radius,” he remarked.
Earlier, Lacson said the permanent relocation of evacuees 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.
The governor said evacuees are aware of the potential risks of volcanic activities.
“These displaced persons are aware and willing to be evacuated again if an eruption happens,” Lacson said, underscoring their understanding of the situation and readiness for future challenges.
He also expressed the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring that the needs of displaced individuals are met./JB, WDJ