By JEN BAYLON
The Negros Occidental provincial government is taking steps to relocate families living within Kanlaon Volcano’s six-kilometer extended danger zone to permanent, safer sites to restore normalcy in their lives, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said.
Diaz stressed the importance of finding a permanent solution for the displaced residents.
He explained that the evacuees, who have been living in temporary shelters for four months, urgently need to regain normalcy and stability in their lives.
The provincial government is prepared to assist with these efforts, as long as the plans are accepted by the affected communities, he said.
Although there is uncertainty about when Kanlaon will return to a dormant state, Diaz further noted that the priority remains the health and safety of the evacuees.
Diaz also commended Bago City for its Payag sang Kapag-on Village, which has successfully relocated evacuees from cramped centers to spacious “bahay kubo,” providing them with more privacy and the opportunity to plant vegetables and raise livestock.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the additional P63 million in financial assistance from the Office of the President for local government units (LGUs) affected by the eruption will pave the way for the construction of permanent shelters for the severely affected evacuees, as well as for those residing in danger zones.
“The situation remains grave. We hope this financial assistance will help us build permanent housing solutions for our affected families,” Lacson said.
“The people’s safety and dignity are of the utmost importance, and we are grateful that we are not alone in this effort,” he added.
The governor said the prolonged stay of evacuees in temporary facilities had placed a heavy burden on both the LGUs and the surrounding communities, “making the swift response from Malacañang all the more appreciated.”
Currently, 1,763 families, comprising 5,678 individuals from Negros Occidental cities of La Carlota and Bago, as well as La Castellana town, have been residing in evacuation centers since the volcanic eruption on December 9.
These families will remain evacuated unless the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) lowers the alert level at Kanlaon.
However, the timeline for when this will happen is uncertain.
Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3 due to high volcanic unrest, with experts warning of potential hazardous eruptions.
The continuing volcanic activity has affected 6,793 families, comprising 23,357 individuals, in the province, the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said in a report.
Earlier, the Phivolcs recommended that communities within a six-kilometer permanent danger zone be evacuated due to the threat of pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfalls, ashfall, and other volcanic hazards from Kanlaon.
Furthermore, Diaz said the Capitol is set to start the fourth wave of its community kitchen, which will commence after Holy Week.
“There is a temporary stoppage to the community kitchen to ensure that there will be no over-procurement of food for the evacuees,” he pointed out.
He also shared that the provincial government has been spending approximately P12 million each month to feed the evacuees, with P50 million in aid from Malacañang helping to alleviate some of the financial burden.
Damage assessment
The provincial government will be determining the amount of damage to the agriculture industry in Negros Occidental due to Kanlaon’s volcanic ashfall.
Based on a rapid damage assessment and needs analysis, the provincial government will make the necessary intervention to be taken, Diaz said.
He added that a priority for the government is the health of the residents, including water supply that is facing contamination due to the ash that affected many houses in six towns and cities. / JB, WDJ