BACOLOD CITY – The province of Negros Occidental was placed under a state of calamity on Friday, Dec. 13, four days after the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano that affected thousands of residents in eight areas.
KANLAON Volcano evacuees line up for hot meals in an evacuation center in Negros Occidental. (Photo courtesy of Capitol PIO)
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) unanimously approved the resolution of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) during a special session presided over by Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer.
Ferrer, in a media interview after the special session, said that they have given Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson authority to utilize the Quick Response Fund (QRF) that would help affected localities. The amount was undisclosed.
Ferrer said that they will assess agricultural and livestock damage due to the eruption. A price freeze on basic commodities is yet to be implemented as mechanics have yet to be discussed.
The PDRRMC, in a resolution, stated that there are 33,806 individuals affected within the six-kilometer radius of the volcano and affected areas were La Castellana, La Carlota City, Pontevedra, the southeastern portion of Bago City, Valladolid, San Enrique, Hinigaran, and Binalbagan.
The Negros Island Region (NIR) Center for Health Development of the Department of Health (DOH) changed its status from Code White to Code Blue to supplement the province's request for more aid for the people and families impacted by the natural disaster and immediate deployment of health teams, experts, and additional units for emergency response in affected areas.