In the wake of the devastating eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on December 9, 2024, residents of La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, have found solace in the extensive assistance provided by the government. On a recent visit to La Carlota South Elementary School-II, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally oversaw the distribution of crucial aid to those displaced by the volcanic activity, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting its citizens during times of crisis.
The President, accompanied by key officials including DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Mayor Rex Jalando-on, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, distributed PHP5,000 in financial assistance and family food packs to 323 affected families, totaling 1,111 individuals. This gesture of support was met with heartfelt gratitude from the evacuees, who have been forced to seek refuge in evacuation centers since the eruption.
President Marcos reassured the residents, stating, “We are doing everything to make you comfortable. The government’s support will always be there.” His words were echoed by Mayor Jalando-on, who expressed appreciation for the President’s visit and the encouragement it brought to the community. The presence of high-ranking officials underscored the government’s dedication to addressing the needs of those affected by the disaster.
Among the evacuees, Rosie Magbanua, a 24-year-old mother from Barangay Yubo, shared her emotional journey of staying in the school shelter with her family. Despite the challenges, she noted the positive aspects of their stay, including sufficient food and medical care provided by doctors and nurses. The financial assistance from President Marcos was particularly meaningful to her, as it alleviated some of the financial strain caused by their inability to work while displaced.
Merlyn Lumogdang, a 61-year-old resident of Barangay Ara-al, spoke of the impact of the eruption on her extended family of 12. The ashfall had damaged their home, and her husband’s periodic checks on their crops and livestock were a reminder of the ongoing challenges they faced. However, she expressed gratitude for the support from the city government and the DSWD, which has been instrumental in meeting their needs.
Teresita Cabrillos, aged 72, plans to use the PHP5,000 cash aid to repair her roof, which was destroyed by the volcanic ash. Her situation reflects the broader impact of the eruption on the community, with many residents facing similar challenges in rebuilding their lives.
The eruption has displaced a total of 12,630 families or 48,528 individuals across 57 towns in Western Visayas and Central Visayas, which have been placed under a state of calamity. The agricultural sector has also been severely affected, with damages amounting to over PHP129 million in Western Visayas alone. This marks the second eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in 2024, following an earlier incident on June 3.
As the residents of La Carlota continue to navigate the aftermath of the eruption, the government’s ongoing support remains a critical lifeline, offering hope and assistance to those striving to rebuild their lives amidst the uncertainty.