The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will dispatch water filtration machines to La Carlota City, Negros Occidental to help address potable water shortage after the city’s spring water sources were contaminated by ashfall during the explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on April 8.
OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno, who met with Mayor Rex Jalando-on during his visit to the city yesterday, said the local chief executive discussed with him the needs of the affected residents.
“Magpapadala kami rito ng karagdagang water filtration machines. Meron naman tayo niyan mula sa iba’t-ibang region at pati sa central office ng OCD. ‘Yan ang usapan naming ni Mayor Rex. At kung kailangan din ng additional N95 masks at kung ano pa,” Nepomuceno said in an interview.
According to the city government, about 3,000 households or 12,000 persons affected by the potable water supply disruption avail of drinking water through rationing.
La Carlota has been receiving assistance from the provincial government, the cities of Cadiz and Victorias, and the Philippine Red Cross, which have deployed water filtration trucks to the affected barangays.
Jalando-on said several communities within the surrounding areas of Kanlaon Volcano have experienced severe water supply disruption, particularly in Barangays Ara-al, San Miguel, Haguimit, La Granja, Nagasi, and Cubay.
“The eruption resulted to failure of our spring water sources, compromising access to safe and potable water, placing residents at significant risk for waterborne diseases, and further compounding the challenges of displacement and recovery,” he said.
To further address urgent concern, Jalando-on said the city government is proposing the implementation of a project called “Restoring and Securing Water Supply for Affected Communities due to Mt. Kanlaon Volcanic Eruption.”
The initiative aims to construct alternative water systems, establish water access points, and ensure sustainable, long-term solutions for the provision of clean water to the affected population.
“We respectfully seek the support and coordination of the OCD in facilitating inter-agency collaboration, technical assistance, and possible resource augmentation for the realization of this intervention,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nepomuceno supported the move of the city government to postpone the staging of the 2025 Pasalamat Festival, the city’s major annual festival usually held in the last week of April.
The OCD chief said he hopes the people of La Carlota will understand the decision as it now needs to focus on how to utilize the limited resources for the needs of the affected residents.
In an earlier announcement, Jalando-on said the decision was reached after careful deliberation with department heads, barangay captains, event organizers, and key stakeholders.
“This choice was made not out of fear, but out of compassion and responsibility — to put the welfare of our people, especially those affected by the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, above all else,” he said.
“We remain hopeful that when the situation normalizes, we will come together once more — not just to celebrate, but to reflect on the strength, unity and resilience of La Carloteños.” (PNA)