In a show of solidarity, Negros Oriental’s Governor Manuel Sagarbarria has promised PHP5,000 to each family impacted by the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Canlaon City. The announcement came during a press conference in Dumaguete City, where Sagarbarria detailed that the financial assistance would be disbursed in January.
The governor highlighted that while funds are ready, the province cannot access its quick reaction fund (QRF) without a formal state of calamity declaration. He explained that the law requires at least two local government units (LGUs) to declare a state of calamity before he can issue a province-wide declaration. Sagarbarria called on the nearby town of Vallehermoso to join Canlaon City, which has been under a state of calamity since the volcano’s eruption on June 3.
The QRF is essential for taking preemptive actions against the ongoing activity of Mt. Kanlaon, especially after warnings from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) about potential increases in seismic activity. Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol, present at the briefing, stated that the volcano is currently under Alert Level 3, but an escalation could see the alert level rise to 4, expanding the permanent danger zone (PDZ) and necessitating further evacuations.
Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas has encouraged residents within the PDZ to evacuate, assuring them of ample relief goods and essential supplies. Both Sagarbarria and Cardenas visited evacuation centers to address the concerns of the displaced families. As of Thursday morning, 1,029 families, totaling 3,397 individuals, were housed in five evacuation centers, while eight families, comprising 22 individuals, have evacuated but are staying outside these facilities.