The Philippine government has extended over PHP123.69 million in aid to those impacted by the recent unrest of Mt. Kanlaon, as reported by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). The volcano’s activity has affected 11,883 families, totaling 45,526 individuals across 32 barangays in Western and Central Visayas. All 9,571 families in need have received assistance, achieving a full 100% assistance rate.
The OCD detailed that PHP364,000 has been allocated to local government units and regional agencies in Western Visayas. Currently, 4,454 families, comprising 14,186 people, are sheltered in 32 evacuation centers, while 2,185 families, or 6,953 individuals, are staying outside these facilities.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has prepositioned PHP31.96 million in Quick Response Funds at its central office, with an additional PHP5 million available at its field offices in Regions 6 and 7. Further support includes PHP40.88 million from other DSWD field offices for inter-regional assistance. The DSWD has also stockpiled 261,018 family food packs across various disaster response centers, including 107,548 at the National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City and 153,470 at the Visayas Disaster Resource Center in Mandaue City. Additionally, 190,706 food packs are available at DSWD field offices in Regions 6 and 7, with over a million more in other regions ready to support relief efforts.
The DSWD has also ensured the availability of PHP873.13 million worth of other food and non-food items at various locations. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported agricultural damages amounting to PHP33.55 million in Western Visayas, affecting 830 farmers and fisherfolk. The damage includes 34.54 hectares of totally destroyed crops and 263.51 hectares of partially damaged crops with potential for recovery.
In response, the DA has advised farmers and local governments to take preparedness measures, including monitoring and disseminating advisories. The DA is also assessing further damage and coordinating with local agencies for effective response strategies.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center has escalated its alert status and established a Regional Task Force and Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell to manage the crisis. Continuous monitoring and scenario planning are ongoing, with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issuing advisories to ensure preparedness based on the Operation L!STO Disaster Preparedness Manual.
The DILG has activated emergency operations centers and online monitoring systems as the volcano remains at Alert Level 3. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are actively monitoring the situation, with the latter deploying Quick Response Teams and conducting air quality assessments. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau has provided geohazard data for contingency planning.
The Department of Health (DOH) has issued public health advisories and convened a Health Cluster to address the needs of affected areas, while also facilitating additional logistics for health services. The Department of Education (DepEd) has implemented a Dynamic Learning Program to maintain educational continuity and provided support for school clean-up and repairs. The Bureau of Fire Protection has been active in responding to incidents, flushing roads, and supplying water to evacuation centers.