BACOLOD CITY – The provincial government of Negros Occidental is looking for a long-term solution for residents living within the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone of Kanlaon Volcano.
KANLAON Volcano (FB)
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said that one of the proposed solutions is for local government units (LGUs) to identify relocation sites for displaced residents, including potential farm lots for affected families.
Diaz said that they are set to meet mayors of La Castellana, Bago City, and La Carlota City to discuss their plans and proposals regarding the matter.
He said that they have reached out to the mayors and asked them to present permanent solutions especially for residents within the PDZ.
Diaz acknowledged the challenges faced by people living in the area and emphasized the need to relocate them for their safety.
He believes that this would help evacuees become self-sufficient, allowing them to reintegrate into society, support local economies, and enable children to attend schools more effectively.
Diaz said that long-term safety requires relocating from the danger zone. “We can manage the damage, but we need to get out of that place,” he added.
He noted that while the government can provide subsidies for evacuees in the short term, such assistance is not sustainable in the long run.
Diaz said that funds will eventually run out and they need to find suitable relocation sites to avoid scrambling to support them in the future.
The provincial government aims to initiate the relocation plan as soon as possible. In addition to sustaining the evacuation centers, Diaz said they also want to move them to safer locations.
Diaz said that they would seek approval from national agencies and other concerned organizations before proceeding. “We’ll see how it goes,” he said.
He cited the possibility of using the P50-million assistance from the national government for evacuees to purchase materials for rebuilding homes, particularly in areas where houses have been damaged by volcanic ash.
“We all understand the difficulty the evacuees are facing,” he said, pointing out the strain on their social, economic, and psychological well-being.
He emphasized the need for privacy and personal space, adding that immediate intervention in terms of livelihood, psychological wellness, and education for children is crucial.