By JEN BAYLON
The Negros Occidental provincial government is actively collaborating with local government units (LGUs) to facilitate the resettlement of evacuees affected by the ongoing threat from Kanlaon Volcano.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II confirmed that discussions are underway to determine permanent solutions for the evacuees.
Diaz said the provincial government is committed to finding viable long-term solutions to prevent residents from repeatedly returning to evacuation centers whenever volcanic activity is detected.
They are focusing on establishing safe and permanent relocation sites away from the volcano, he added.
The provincial administrator emphasized that, while they are not imposing strict restrictions on where residents can relocate, it is essential that any new homes will be situated far from volcanic threats.
Preparations are being made to accommodate any necessary evacuations for affected residents, Diaz said.
More tent cities
The Office of Civil Defense in Western Visayas (OCD-6) announced plans to establish additional tent cities in northern Negros Occidental, which would necessitate immediate evacuations from Kanlaon’s six-kilometer permanent danger zone.
OCD-6 Director Raul Fernandez revealed that, aside from Himamaylan City, OCD-6 also plans to set up tent cities in Silay City and Talisay City.
He said the initiative is in preparation for a potential Alert Level 4 over Kanlaon, which has shown signs of heightened activity in recent weeks.
Silay and Talisay have been identified as sites for the tent cities, where residents may need to be evacuated swiftly should the volcanic activities increase.
OCD-6 is also mulling the construction of additional tent cities at Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City, as well as in Kabankalan City.
In neighboring Negros Oriental, similar preparations are being made, where tent cities are slated for Vallehermoso town and Guihulngan City.
Currently, OCD-6 is preparing 390 sets of tents to be deployed in Himamaylan.
Earlier, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson was concerned about the long-term viability of tent cities for residents affected by the eruption.
“How are we going to maintain them in a tent city? Is it the responsibility of the local government unit?” Lacson asked Fernandez, who has proposed tent cities for the evacuees.
“I want to know where the budget is coming from,” Lacson said, highlighting the importance of financial planning in addressing the crisis.
The provincial government has instead planned for the permanent relocation of evacuees as a solution, which 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./JB, WDJ