By CESAR JOLITO III
Negros Occidental 5th District Representative Emilio Yulo III has criticized the recent simulation exercise (simex) conducted among internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by Kanlaon Volcano’s heightened activity, calling the exercises “unnecessary.”
Yulo raised concern over the practicality and timing of the disaster preparedness activities led by the Office of the Civil Defense in Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR), which were meant to prepare residents for a potential full-blown eruption.
However, he stressed that the current conditions in evacuation centers are already pushing displaced families to return to their homes out of desperation.
“Many evacuees are already going back to their communities because they cannot endure the lack of food, privacy and basic necessities in the evacuation centers,” Yulo said.
“Forcing them to participate in drills only adds to their physical and emotional burden,” he added.
While he acknowledged the importance of disaster readiness, Yulo argued that the local population, especially those living near Kanlaon, are already well-aware of safety protocols after years of experience dealing with volcanic threats.
“[The evacuees] know what to do. They’ve lived through this many times. What they need right now is support, not more exhaustion,” Yulo added.
He also revealed plans to deliver a privileged speech in Congress to bring national attention to the plight of IDPs and to push for long-term solutions to displacement and disaster management.
Yulo’s remarks come amid growing public scrutiny over government response and the actual conditions inside temporary shelters across affected municipalities.
Many displaced residents have reportedly been staying in cramped classrooms, barangay halls or makeshift tents for weeks, with limited access to water, medical care and income opportunities.
The simulation on Saturday, July 5, which was carried out in case Alert Level 4 is declared at Kanlaon, involved multiple national and provincial agencies, including the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine Army, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Red Cross, and various government agencies, such as health, education and social welfare.
Move people out of danger
In the wake of the prolonged displacement caused by Kanlaon’s unrest, Yulo has vowed to help craft a permanent solution for affected residents, particularly those still staying in evacuation centers within the extended six-kilometer danger zone.
Yulo — whose district includes La Castellana town, one of the hardest-hit areas — emphasized the urgent need for a long-term plan that addresses both safety and livelihood.
“Our goal is not just to move people out of danger but to ensure they can rebuild their lives sustainably,” Yulo said, pointing to plans to relocate residents to a proposed site near the La Castellana-Hinigaran boundary.
He noted that any relocation must consider the community’s access to livelihood, especially for those reliant on farming.
The congressman earlier played a key role in coordinating with OCD to allow limited agricultural activity — specifically sugarcane harvesting — during designated window hours between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. within the extended danger zone.
This, he said, was a necessary compromise to balance safety protocols with the economic needs of evacuees.
Yulo admitted that finding a permanent solution would require substantial funding and inter-agency coordination.
He has already personally raised the issue with Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and is set to deliver a privilege speech in Congress once the session resumes to lobby for national support.
“We are not just facing a natural disaster but a socioeconomic crisis. The longer the evacuees stay in limbo, the more difficult recovery becomes,” Yulo said.
Local government officials and affected families continue to appeal for immediate and sustainable assistance as volcanic activity from Kanlaon remains under close monitoring.
Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest), which means that the explosive eruption may be followed by similar short-lived explosive eruptions in the short term or even progress to lava eruptions that generate lava flows and lava fountaining activity./CJ, WDJ