Following the December 9 eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, community kitchens in Negros Occidental are preparing at least 1,000 kilograms of chicken and pork daily, serving two meals a day on a P50 budget per meal.
Provincial Administrator Attorney Rayfrando Diaz said on Friday, December 28, that logistical efforts for the meals include 1,000 kilograms of pork, chicken, vegetables, and other ingredients to feed 10,000 evacuees, including staff inside the evacuation centers.
He said that community kitchens are operating on a budget of P50 per meal, served twice a day, and rely on rice supplied by local government units (LGUs).
Provincial employees also show extraordinary commitment, often working late to ensure they deliver raw materials and prepare meals on time, he added.
Despite receiving a PHP 50 million grant from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for relief operations, Diaz clarified that the provincial government awaits utilization guidelines.
He assured the public that the feeding program could sustain itself for a month but emphasized the need for additional resources should the crisis extend or the number of evacuees increase.
Assurance
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson visited 11 evacuation centers in La Castellana and La Carlota on December 25 to boost the morale of evacuees. During his visit, he distributed burger treats and encouraged families to remain patient.
Lacson reassured evacuees that provincial funds could cover one month’s needs but also warned of ongoing risks from lahar flows, particularly during heavy rains.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reports that Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, signaling the potential for further eruptions.
As of December 26, records from the OCD show that 11,883 families, totaling 45,526 individuals, have been displaced from 32 barangays in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.
Among those affected, 4,454 families (14,186 individuals) currently stay in evacuation centers, while 2,185 families (6,953 individuals) seek shelter outside these facilities.
The provincial government continues to focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of evacuees, with Governor Lacson emphasizing vigilance against volcanic hazards and maintaining hygiene standards in the evacuation centers.
Strain
The increasing unrest of Kanlaon Volcano has also placed significant strain on the sectors of agriculture, health, and education.
As of December 26, data from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) revealed that the volcanic activity has caused agricultural losses amounting to PHP 33.55 million in Region VI. A total of 830 farmers and fisherfolk have reported damage, with 34.54 hectares of crops destroyed and an additional 263.51 hectares partially damaged but potentially salvageable.
Classes in various schools, particularly within the expanded permanent danger zone of six kilometers, have also been disrupted due to the risks posed by almost daily ash emissions from the volcano.
Respiratory illnesses are rising among evacuees in Central Negros as many struggle to afford necessary medications. Although the government promised assistance, it has failed to supply enough medicines, leaving some evacuees feeling abandoned.
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.