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Jose Rodel Clapano - The Philippine Star
February 23, 2025 | 12:00am
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian lead an aid-giving activity today in La Carlota South Elementary School II, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the ongoing unrest of Kanlaon Volcano.
DSWD Western Visayas
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian reinforced government’s commitment to assisting families affected by Kanlaon Volcano’s ongoing unrest, personally overseeing aid distribution on Friday.
Held at the La Carlota City South Elementary School II Evacuation Center, the relief operation provided financial assistance and essential supplies to residents displaced by the heightened volcanic activity.
Speaking with displaced families, Marcos emphasized how important it is for him to “personally see the situation” in the affected communities.
“We assure you that the government will not abandon you. We will always send your needs, especially relief goods,” the President said.
Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3, with 323 families or 1,111 individuals currently housed in four evacuation centers in the city.
Each affected family received P5,000 in financial assistance along with family food packs (FFPs) from the DSWD.
During a situation briefing following the aid distribution, Gatchalian reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustained relief efforts, saying that financial assistance had already begun and would continue as needed.
The DSWD has allocated over 2.4 million boxes of FFPs nationwide, with standby funds amounting to P46.6 million for augmentation to affected LGUs, according to Gatchalian.
Meanwhile, in the Negros Island Region, 156,441 food packs and more than 15,000 non-food items, including hygiene kits and laminated sacks, have been prepositioned for distribution.
The heightened activity of Kanlaon has significantly affected residents, particularly in Barangays Ara-al, Yubo and Haguimit of La Carlota, which are situated within the six-kilometer Extended Danger Zone.
Many residents have sought refuge in evacuation centers or have relocated to the homes of relatives and friends following the volcano’s eruption in December 2024.
Authorities reassure residents they will continue to monitor the situation and provide necessary support and resources to affected families.
Meanwhile, residents are advised to remain vigilant, follow government directives and avoid restricted areas as the threat of further volcanic activity persists.
