Residents of Negros Island affected by the December 9 eruption of Mt. Kanlaon have received PHP14.792 million worth of humanitarian assistance, according to the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The aid, provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), local government units, and various non-government organizations, included family food packs, hygiene kits, and sleeping kits distributed to affected families in La Castellana, La Carlota City, and Bago City.
As of Sunday morning, data from the DSWD reported that 4,881 families, comprising 16,268 individuals, are being housed in 28 evacuation centers in Negros Occidental. This includes 2,825 families (9,328 persons) in La Castellana, 721 families (2,589 persons) in La Carlota City, and 92 families (310 persons) in Bago City.
In Negros Oriental, an additional 1,243 families, or 4,041 individuals, have sought refuge in evacuation centers. Authorities stated that 81 percent of the targeted population within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone, now expanded to include San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, had been evacuated as of Sunday morning.
Livestock and Domestic Animal Assistance in Focus
Alongside the efforts to aid displaced residents, the DSWD-6 has been assisting La Castellana’s municipal government in setting up a designated area for livestock and domestic animals brought by internally displaced farmers.
An open space at La Castellana Elementary School has been prepared to accommodate animals transported from affected barangays such as Masulog and Cabagna-an. On Saturday, nine farmers used a vehicle provided by Barangay Cabagna-an to transport their livestock to the site.
The local government has taken responsibility for ensuring adequate facilities and provisions for the animals, supported by the Department of Agriculture, animal rights organizations, and other stakeholders. The DSWD-6 emphasized its commitment to ensuring animal care within designated spaces at the camps or in separate facilities in accordance with the guidelines outlined in Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 2021.
With these organized relief efforts, authorities are striving to address both human and animal needs in the aftermath of Mt. Kanlaon’s eruption, showcasing a comprehensive approach to Filipino calamity assistance, disaster response and recovery.