NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – The restiveness of Mount Kanlaon has devastated crops, displaced thousands of families, and strained the agricultural and educational sectors in Negros Island.
The eruption has severely impacted the agricultural sector, leading to losses of PHP 33.55 million in Region VI. Around 830 farmers and fisherfolks have reported damage, with 34.54 hectares of crops destroyed and 263.51 hectares partially damaged but possibly salvageable, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Thursday, December 26.
The entire province of Negros Occidental, along with Canlaon City and Vallehermoso town in Negros Oriental, have declared states of calamity to expedite response and recovery efforts.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said that they were ramping up its efforts to reduce losses in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, while the Department of Education (DepEd) is implementing recovery programs for schools.
However, 17 classes and two work schedules in Regions VI and VII have been suspended as a precautionary measure.
A total of 11,883 families, or 45,526 individuals, across Regions VI and VII have been affected by the volcanic activity, OCD said.
The OCD added that thousands of residents have been forced to leave their homes. 4,454 families or 14,186 individuals are currently staying in 32 evacuation centers, while 2,185 families or 6,953 individuals are sheltering outside these centers.
Relief efforts
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that it has distributed Php 123,691,278.86 in aid, including Php 364,000.00 allocated specifically to support local government units (LGUs) in Region VI.
The DSWD added that they have prepositioned resources worth PHP 873.13 million, including food and non-food items, to ensure uninterrupted support for affected communities as the unrest continues to escalate.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that it has activated its emergency operations center and implemented measures under the Operation L!STO Disaster Preparedness Manual, prioritizing the evacuation of residents within the Permanent Danger Zone. — BNFM Kabankalan
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.