The government’s Regional Task Force Kanlaon, through the National Food Authority (NFA), has augmented rice supply to displaced families affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island.

At least 659 sacks of rice procured by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) were released to five local government units (LGUs), data showed yesterday.

Maria Christina Ilustre-Mayor, public information officer of OCD-Western Visayas, said in an interview they cater to all requests for rice assistance through the NFA.

“It should be supported by the situation report of the LGU, showing the affected population,” she said.

La Castellana, the worst-hit LGU in Negros Occidental, has an allocation of 310 sacks; La Carlota City, 70; San Carlos City, 15; and Bago City, 10, while Canlaon City in Negros Oriental, 254 sacks.

OCD-Negros Island Region Director Donato Sermeno III has requested Brigadier General Ted Dumosmog, commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, for the use of military trucks to deliver the rice supply to the affected LGUs.

Some LGUs also dispatched their own vehicles to receive the rice supply.

As of yesterday morning, data of the Department of Social Welfare and Development showed 3,058 families or 9,674 persons, are still staying in evacuation centers in both Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

La Castellana has the most number of internally displaced persons at 1,400 families or 4,311 persons.

Meanwhile, the OCD-6 said the tent city in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental is being set up for the spillover of evacuees in the event Mt. Kanlaon’s alert level will be raised from 3 to 4.

At least 40 out of the planned 395 family tents provided by the OCD central office have been assembled.

“The site is being developed to ensure it meets the basic needs of the families who will be staying here,” the OCD-6 said, adding that ongoing work includes the installation of plumbing, water supply system and sanitation facilities. (PNA)