Negros Oriental Offers PHP 5,000 Aid to Families Affected by Mt. Kanlaon Eruption

DUMAGUETE CITY - In a proactive response to the ongoing volcanic activity from Mt. Kanlaon, the Negros Oriental provincial government has announced a financial aid package of PHP 5,000 for each family affected in Canlaon City. This assistance is part of the government's commitment to support residents who have faced significant disruptions due to the eruption that began on June 3. Governor Manuel Sagarbarria revealed the details of this assistance during a press conference on Thursday, indicating that the funds would be distributed in January. However, he noted a critical procedural hurdle: the provincial government is currently unable to utilize its Quick Reaction Fund (QRF) until a formal declaration of a state of calamity is issued. According to Governor Sagarbarria, at least two local government units (LGUs) must declare a state of calamity for a province-wide declaration to be made. He urged the town of Vallehermoso, located near Canlaon City, to take this necessary step. The situation in Canlaon City remains precarious, with the local government maintaining a state of calamity due to the ongoing threats posed by the volcano. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has been closely monitoring the situation, currently putting Mt. Kanlaon under Alert Level 3. Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol cautioned that if volcanic activity escalates, there is a possibility that the alert level could be raised to Level 4. Such an increase would not only expand the permanent danger zone from six kilometers to ten but would also necessitate further evacuations, putting additional pressure on local resources. Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas has been actively urging residents in the permanent danger zone to evacuate to safer areas. He reassured those fleeing the area that adequate relief supplies and essential goods are available to meet the needs of evacuees. As of Thursday morning, reports indicated that more than 1,000 families, totaling approximately 3,400 individuals, are residing in five evacuation centers, while an additional eight families have evacuated but are staying outside these designated shelters. In a show of solidarity and support, both Governor Sagarbarria and Mayor Cardenas visited the evacuation centers to address the concerns of those displaced by the eruption. Their visit aimed to provide reassurance and assess the ongoing needs of the affected families, demonstrating the local government's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its constituents during this challenging time. As the situation unfolds, the provincial government remains vigilant, ready to respond to the evolving needs of the community as they face the challenges brought about by the volcanic eruption.