President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. wants a long-term response plan to ensure the safety of residents affected by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island.

The plan includes identifying safe evacuation sites and establishing permanent relocation areas for those displaced by the disaster, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

In a meeting in Malacañang, Manila yesterday, Marcos emphasized the need to keep the composition of the planned National Task Force on Kanlaon, with the Department of National Defense-Office of Civil Defense (DND-OCD) taking the lead role.

“We have to decide on the location of the evacuation centers. Once again, let’s coordinate very closely with the local governments,” Marcos said, as quoted in a PCO news release.

“They already have some proposals. Tingnan lang natin kung talagang it’s scientifically correct in terms of the choice … And then [let’s see] how we regulate the rebuilding in the different towns.”

The President highlighted the importance of moving residents out of danger zones and constructing large, secure evacuation centers to protect them in the event of future eruptions.

He also acknowledged the strong collaboration between national and local governments, which has been crucial in providing assistance to affected areas.

Likewise, he urged concerned agencies to continue supporting the localities.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that the eastern side of Kanlaon Volcano is still inflating, at least on the upper slopes, with nine tremors recorded in the past 24 hours.

An explosive eruption occurred on December 9, 2024. (PNA)