The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) is prepared to provide immediate support to Negrenses affected by the restive Kanlaon Volcano.
As directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., DSWD-NIR assured the public of its readiness to respond to emergencies, promising prompt, enough and efficient delivery of services and resources.
“Ang rehiyon ay may nakahandang kabuuang resources na nai-preposition sa mga strategic location upang matiyak ang mabilis at madaling access ng mga komunidad na mangangailangan,” said the agency in a social media post, following the moderately explosive eruption of the volcano in the evening of February 26.
Among the stockpiled and prepositioned resources are 222,038 family food packs, 10,549 ready-to-eat food boxes, and 16,264 non-food items, which are located in various warehouses throughout the region.
“Patuloy ang kahandaan ng DSWD-NIR upang matiyak na ang bawat pamilyang maaapektuhan ay agad na mabibigyan ng kinakailangang suporta at tulong,” it further read.
Per Progress Report No. 8 of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in NIR issued on February 27, there were 23 families affected, with 22 families taking shelter inside evacuation centers (EC) and one family staying outside the EC, either with friends or relatives.
Meanwhile, local government units (LGUs) and the Bureau of Fire Protection have begun water-flushing activities to clear roads and facilities of ash from the volcano’s explosive eruption and ash emissions.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said that Alert Level 2 prevails over Kanlaon, which means the four-kilometer permanent danger zone must remain free of any human activity.
It added that the alert status may be raised should the unrest persist or worsen.
For its part, the Office of Civil Defense in NIR continues with its close coordination with LGUs and national government agencies in ensuring the safety and welfare of the population surrounding the volcano.
The Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines also stand ready to assist should mandatory evacuation be ordered. (PIA-Negros Occidental)