By JEN BAYLON
The Negros Occidental provincial government suspended the release of P14 million in funds intended for the permanent relocation site in La Castellana town after the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) rejected the proposed location for evacuees of the Kanlaon Volcano eruption.
“The release was canceled because the MGB denied the proposed site, which is adjacent to the town’s sanitary landfill,” Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said yesterday.
“Since there is no approval, the procurement process has already died down,” he added.
The funds, part of the P50 million national government assistance package, were allocated for materials and labor to build shelters for evacuees within Kanlaon’s four-kilometer permanent danger zone.
The provincial government has redirected part of the funds to maintain community kitchens in evacuation centers.
Diaz said once the plan is approved, they will help source the funds.
“It’s difficult to set aside money for something that isn’t yet clear. We will use the money wherever it is required immediately,” Diaz said.
“Those plans — relocation or evacuation — aren’t yet finalized by local government units like La Castellana and La Carlota City. But there has to be a definite plan. It’s difficult to set aside funds when there are pressing requirements now,” he pointed out.
Earlier, La Castellana Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan said the MGB disapproved of the local government’s proposed site in Barangay Manghanoy for Kanlaon evacuees.
Although the site is located more than 10 kilometers away from Kanlaon’s summit, Mangilimutan said it is still near the town’s sanitary landfill.
Based on MGB requirements, the resettlement area must be at least 250 meters away from the landfill’s boundary.
However, the proposed site is only 120 meters away.
Meanwhile, Nicor-Mangilimutan identified three potential relocation sites for Kanlaon evacuees in Barangays Talaptap, Robles and Lalagsan, situated around 16 to 18 kilometers from the volcano.
Thirteen families, or 36 individuals, from the four-kilometer permanent danger zone in La Castellana’s Barangay Masulog will be relocated to the new site.
Fourth wave
The fourth wave of the community kitchen for internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by Kanlaon’s explosive eruption begins today, April 24, as the provincial government continues its efforts to provide essential nutrition and support to evacuees.
Diaz said the remaining budget for the program is now P18,060,945.35 from the original P50 million allocated by the Department of Budget and Management for Kanlaon IDPs.
“If it were up to me, we would have started last Easter Sunday or even last Tuesday. But constraints, with respect to the supply, forced us to move it to Thursday,” he explained.
“That’s the earliest we can organize our suppliers and complete our procurement process,” Diaz said.
He expressed hope that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. would consider providing additional assistance to sustain the ongoing needs of the evacuees.
Since the eruption of Kanlaon in December 2024, the provincial government, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units, has established community kitchens across evacuation centers.
These kitchens have become a lifeline for thousands of families, ensuring access to daily meals and proper nutrition amid challenging circumstances.
“We hope they will enjoy the food served to them and that their bodies will receive the nutrients needed for strength and resilience, especially during this hot summer when there’s a higher risk of illness and physical breakdown,” Diaz said.
“Our water filtration system will also continue to be deployed on a regular basis,” he said./JB, WDJ