By CESAR JOLITO III

Recovery efforts for communities devastated by Kanlaon Volcano’s continuing unrest since last year are facing a serious setback after the government slashed the rehabilitation budget by more than 80 percent.

From an initial allocation of P203.8 million, only P40.8 million is now available for disaster response and rehabilitation, leaving local officials scrambling to prioritize which projects to fund.

Donato Sermeno III, director of the Office of Civil Defense in the Negros Island Region, confirmed that all proposed recovery initiatives must undergo strict validation and fall under the Quick Response Fund (QRF) criteria before funds can be released.

“We must pick projects fitting QRF eligibility, and the final decision rests with the Central Office,” Sermeno said.

Priority is being given to the rehabilitation of vital bridges and farm-to-market roads, particularly in La Castellana and other nearby towns, to help restore mobility and economic activity.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development has also committed to assisting in providing housing for families displaced by the volcanic eruptions.

However, the steep budget cut has raised concerns about the pace and scope of the recovery.

Local governments warn that many communities remain vulnerable to hazards, with relocation efforts still incomplete and funding support uncertain./CJ, WDJ