BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson told evacuees from barangays on the foot of Kanlaon to stay in evacuation centers while the volcano remains on Alert Level 2.
Lacson visited the town of La Castellana and La Carlota City on Wednesday, June 5, to check the situation of the two localities that have been affected by the ashfall and sulfur odor following the eruption on Monday night, June 3.
NEGROS Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson visited evacuation centers in La Castellana town with Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan on Wednesday, June 5, to check the situation of evacuees after the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on June 3. (Photo courtesy of Capitol PIO)
He visited evacuation centers to ensure that necessities of the evacuees have been addressed.
Although the volcano has mellowed down since the eruption, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reiterated that Alert Level 2 still remains over Kanlaon.
“The local government units (LGUs) are depending on the advice from Phivolcs with regards to the status of Mount Kanlaon,” Lacson said.
Lacson said that he has directed the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist to assess damage and monitor farmlands.
La Castellana Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan has declared a state of calamity in the town after more than 1,000 residents have been affected by the ashfall, lahar, and strong sulfur smell.
Lacson met with Mangilimutan during his visit in the town. He said that the main purpose of the declaration is to control the prices of goods from increasing.
He said that prices of face masks alone increased to P4 a day after the eruption. “There’s a need for a price freeze,” he added.
La Carlota Mayor Rex Jalandoon said the eruption affected Barangays Yubo and Araal which were hit by ash fall and sulfur odor.
The eruption affected 64 families with 256 members in evacuation centers.
Lacson said there is no need for the provincial government to declare a state of calamity as it has enough funds to assist the evacuees.
He said that food packs and water, as well as medicines, have been provided by the provincial government to affected residents.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Western Visayas has alerted its personnel in case the situation escalates.
Capt. Weniel Azcuna, district commander of Coast Guard District Western Visayas, said they are ready to augment personnel and assets if there’s a need for massive evacuation.
Azcuna said the PCG is closely coordinating with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).
Canlaon City, Negros Oriental Mayor Jose Cardenas has lifted the suspension of work in government and private offices on Friday, June 7.
Cardenas, in an executive order, said that resumption of work is crucial for the restoration of economic activities, delivery of essential services, and the overall recovery and rehabilitation of the city.