In the wake of the Mt. Kanlaon eruption, the provincial government of Negros Occidental is actively pursuing sustainable solutions to support the thousands of displaced residents who have been living in evacuation centers for over three weeks. Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II announced that the province will utilize a PHP50-million grant from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to implement these long-term strategies.
Diaz emphasized the importance of moving beyond daily meal provisions for evacuees, suggesting the development of farm lots in relocation areas as a more permanent solution. In collaboration with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, the focus is on creating sustainable living conditions for those affected. The financial assistance was received on December 26, and the province is currently processing the necessary deed of donation, which requires approval from the Provincial Board and signatures from both the governor and the Office of the President.
The eruption on December 9 led to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raising the alert level to 3, signaling the start of a magmatic eruption with potential for further explosive activity. This prompted the evacuation of residents within a six-kilometer radius of the volcano. Diaz expressed hope that discussions with local government units would yield solutions that residents would accept, aiming to prevent future evacuations through long-term interventions.
Efforts are underway to develop farm lots where residents within a four-kilometer radius can be relocated, with plans to also accommodate those within the six-kilometer radius. La Castellana, the most severely impacted area, currently operates 14 evacuation centers, while Bago City and La Carlota City each have seven, housing over 8,000 internally displaced persons.
As the funds of the most affected local government units dwindle, the provincial government has intervened by establishing 20 community kitchens to provide daily meals to 10,000 individuals, including IDPs, camp managers, volunteers, peacekeepers, and social workers, until January 6. The daily budget for these meals is approximately PHP1 million, ensuring nutritious lunches and dinners. Additionally, the province is supplying potable water and gasoline to the evacuation centers.
Diaz noted that after the 14-day meal program ends, the Department of Social Welfare and Development will take over with food pack deliveries, and local mayors have been urged to resume their responsibilities in supporting the evacuees.