In response to the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on December 9, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD-7) has set up 10 evacuation centers to accommodate displaced families. These centers are strategically located across Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, as confirmed by DSWD-7 Director Shalaine Marie Lucero in a recent statement.
The local government units (LGUs) near the volcano, which remains at Alert Level 3 due to ongoing magmatic unrest, mandated the evacuation of residents from nearby communities. DSWD-7 has been actively assisting the Canlaon City LGU in establishing these camps in designated safe zones.
The evacuation centers include various schools and facilities such as Macario Española Memorial School, hosting 333 evacuees, and Jose B. Cardenas Memorial High School with its Uptown and Main campuses accommodating 247 and 323 evacuees respectively. Other centers include Canlaon City Sports & Cultural Center, Panubigan Elementary School, Binalbagan Elementary School, Bayog Elementary School, St. Joseph College of Canlaon, Linothangan Elementary School, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, each serving varying numbers of evacuees.
To enhance the living conditions at the Canlaon City Sports & Cultural Center, modular tents have been provided to serve as temporary shelters. According to DSWD reports, a total of 1,809 families, comprising 5,911 individuals, have found refuge in these camps.
DSWD-7 is also monitoring families who are staying with relatives outside the official camps. Aileen Cuevas, an action officer from the Quick Response Team (QRT) Team 4, emphasized that the organization of these shelters and the provision of essential services are integral to DSWD’s camp management and coordination efforts. The QRT’s primary goal is to ensure the well-being of the displaced individuals.
Additionally, the agency has set up child-friendly and women-friendly spaces within the camps. Community kitchens operated by the LGUs are crucial in providing meals, while DSWD-7 QRT members and local workers are engaged in maintaining safety, organization, and security through structured activities within the evacuation centers.