Government Allocates P164.48 Million for Kanlaon Eruption Victims

The national government, in collaboration with local authorities, has disbursed a total of PHP164.48 million to support families impacted by the eruption of Mount Kanlaon on December 9, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The aid distribution includes PHP109.95 million for Central Visayas and PHP54.53 million for Western Visayas. The relief efforts have provided essential supplies such as family food packs, sleeping and hygiene kits, laminated sacks, modular tents, generator sets, and financial assistance. A total of 9,955 families across both regions have benefited from this aid, with 7,493 families in Western Visayas and 2,462 in Central Visayas receiving support. Currently, 12,227 families from 26 barangays in these regions are affected by the volcano’s activity. Of these, 4,020 families are sheltered in 34 evacuation centers, while 2,351 families are receiving assistance outside these facilities. Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino has emphasized the need for long-term solutions, suggesting the permanent relocation of communities within the six-kilometer danger zone around the volcano. He supports Canlaon City Mayor Jose Cardenas’ proposal to acquire a five-hectare plot outside the danger zone for resettlement, arguing that such a move would alleviate the burden on local government units and help residents return to normalcy.