In the wake of the Mt. Kanlaon eruption on December 9, 2024, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has stepped up to support the affected residents of Canlaon City. On January 6, 2025, the DSWD announced the distribution of PHP8.9 million in cash assistance to 3,250 beneficiaries as part of its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. Shalaine Marie Lucero, the regional director of DSWD-7, highlighted the initiative’s aim to provide immediate relief to those impacted by the volcanic activity. The cash aid varied from PHP2,000 to PHP3,000, tailored to the specific needs of the recipients. A significant portion of the aid, PHP3,000 each, went to 1,732 heads of families residing in evacuation centers. Additionally, 818 individuals from vulnerable groups, such as senior citizens, people with disabilities, and indigenous peoples, received PHP2,000 each. Another 700 displaced residents, who opted to stay outside the evacuation centers, were also granted PHP3,000 each. The distribution was managed by social workers from DSWD-7, based in Cebu City, as part of the department’s continuous efforts to aid communities affected by the volcano’s eruption.
