Teodoro Vows Aid for Kanlaon Evacuees in Negros Occidental
The ongoing plight of Kanlaon evacuees in Negros Occidental has drawn renewed attention as Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro pledged to help secure alternative funding for the remaining 2,000 displaced residents. These evacuees have stayed in temporary shelters for over seven months after the eruption of Mount Kanlaon on December 9, 2024.
During a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting held via Zoom last July 17, local officials shared the urgent need for financial support. Sources said Teodoro assured assistance in exploring new funding avenues to sustain the evacuees’ basic needs and shelter.
Local Government Exhausts Funds for Displaced Families
La Castellana Mayor Añejo Nicor revealed that the municipal government has depleted its resources while providing food and essentials since the eruption. Despite these challenges, the local government permitted 1,850 evacuees living near the highway, outside the 5.2-kilometer danger zone, to return home on July 13.
However, about 2,000 residents who live within the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone remain unable to go back due to safety concerns. Local leaders emphasized that human activity inside the 6-kilometer radius of the volcano is highly risky.
OCD Supports Local Decisions Amid Kanlaon Activity
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Negros Island Region, led by Donato Sermeno III, respects La Castellana’s cautious approach. Although the volcano remains under Alert Level 3, indicating intensified magmatic unrest, the OCD supports the selective return of evacuees to safer areas.
Sermeno also shared that Defense Secretary Teodoro has requested detailed data on La Castellana’s financial needs. This information will help identify appropriate funding sources to sustain relief efforts.
Provincial Feeding Program to Continue
In response to the ongoing displacement, the Negros Occidental provincial government will restart its community kitchen feeding program on July 21. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson announced that the “sixth wave” feeding initiative will run for 30 days across nine evacuation centers.
Seven kitchens will operate in La Castellana, with one each in La Carlota City and Bago City. The program is financed by the remaining balance of the P50 million disaster relief fund allocated by the Office of the President.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz reported that the budget for feeding 2,000 residents for a month totals P5.8 million. Local leaders remain committed to ensuring that evacuees receive continuous support until it is safe to return home.
For more news and updates on Kanlaon volcano evacuation, visit Filipinokami.com.
