Bureaucratic delays stall P50-M Kanlaon aid in Negros Occidental

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – A P50-million fund meant to aid families displaced by the December 2024 eruption of Kanlaon Volcano sits idle, as bureaucratic delays deepen the misery of those already grappling with the crisis.

The national government set aside the fund to support the displaced families, but it remains untouched weeks after the disaster. Local officials and affected communities are left to question why the aid has yet to reach those who need it most, amid a backdrop of mounting frustration and confusion.

Since the volcano’s first eruption in June 2024, mayors in the hardest-hit areas have voiced mounting frustration over the lack of national assistance. The fund, which was transferred to the provincial government just two days before Christmas, was intended for the immediate needs of evacuees in La Castellana, Bago City, and La Carlota. Yet, weeks later, it has not been used to provide food or other essential aid.

In a statement on Friday, January 24, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed the fund remains intact, with no disbursements made.

Lacson explained that procedural hurdles, specifically the need for a signed deed of donation from both the provincial government and Malacañang, have prevented the release of the funds. 

He said the capitol was waiting for the paperwork to be completed, pointing to the bureaucratic delays that have slowed the aid process.

Lacson said, “Unfortunately, we did send the deed of donation, which I signed. Attached with it is just a certification that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized me to sign the deed. What Malacañang wants is the actual resolution, so they returned it unsigned, again.”

He said the capitol is working to resolve the issues with the Malacañang donation.

Warning

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Task Force Kanlaon have reiterated its warning about another Kanlaon eruption after several ash emissions and volcanic quakes occurred on Sunday, January 26.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported 14 ash emission events, along with 35 volcanic earthquakes and 11 volcanic tremors, which lasted between four and 38 minutes.

Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo has announced the cancellation of the Babaylan Festival dance ritual competition, scheduled for February 19. 

The festival, which honors the Babaylans’ role as spiritual and community leaders in pre-Hispanic Bago, is typically highlighted by a dance competition reflecting the city’s cultural heritage. According to the festival’s narrative, the Babaylans derived their healing powers from the plants and twigs of the Kanlaon Volcano.

Yulo said the cancellation was due to the ongoing volcanic activity and the threat posed by Kanlaon. 

Bago, which was affected by previous eruptions of Kanlaon in June and December 2024, still has 24 families in evacuation centers due to their proximity to the six-kilometer danger zone. To assist the displaced families, the city has provided portable shelters and plans to relocate them permanently to Barangay Napoles once the crisis subsides.

Yulo also issued a prohibition on nighttime activities in the city from 6 pm to dawn due to the ongoing unrest at Kanlaon.

But at the capitol, provincial officials said the Panaad sa Negros Festival will take place as scheduled from March 24 to 30. The festival, known as the “mother of all festivals” in Negros Occidental, will be held at Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City. However, the venue has also been designated as an evacuation center for up to 5,000 people in the event of a new eruption.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II defended the decision to proceed with the festival, saying that even in difficult times, events like the festival provide a sense of hope and joy. The province has allocated P30 million for this year’s festival, which marks the 29th edition of the event. – Rappler.com