By CESAR JOLITO III
Relief operations intensified in Negros Occidental’s La Carlota City as government agencies and partner organizations rolled out coordinated assistance following the February 19 eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, while local authorities announced the resumption of classes after days of disruption.
The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) organization distributed a total of 459 jerrycans to communities affected by ashfall and displacement, providing families with safe and secure water storage during the emergency period. The two-day distribution, led by the city’s sanitation team, prioritized internally displaced persons (IDPs) and households in high-impact areas.
At least 129 jerrycans were delivered to IDPs in South 1 Guintubdan, Ara-al, San Miguel, and Guintubdan. The following day, February 20, operations expanded, with 330 additional jerrycans distributed to residents of Salamanca, Yubo, Guintubdan, Yubo Elementary School evacuation site, and Ara-al.
Sanitation inspector Ressan Garcia said the effort was carefully planned to immediately address water safety concerns in evacuation centers and ash-affected barangays, noting that access to clean water remains critical in preventing disease outbreaks after volcanic activity.
Separately, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided food assistance to displaced families in Barangay Ara-al.
A total of 68 family food boxes were distributed to 34 families temporarily sheltering at La Carlota South Elementary School 1. Each family received two boxes containing rice, canned goods and drink mix or soup sachets to cover their short-term food needs.
The distribution was led by the DSWD Regional Office’s Quick Response Team, in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office, ensuring timely support for evacuees as they await further instructions.
Meanwhile, the city public information office announced that Mayor Joelu Jalandoni has lifted the suspension of classes.
Regular classes in all public and private schools across all levels in La Carlota City will resume on Monday, February 23, following improving conditions in affected areas.
An executive order formalizing the resumption is expected to be issued./CJ, WDJ