Amid the ongoing challenges faced by evacuees of Kanlaon Volcano, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to prioritize the psychosocial well-being of those displaced by the volcanic unrest and ensure that they receive emotional support and relief during their stay at evacuation centers.
“We continue to conduct psychosocial activities at the child-friendly and women-friendly spaces in the evacuation centers to alleviate the stress and anxiety of the evacuees,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said on Monday, Jan. 20.
Based on the latest report from the DSWD’s Disaster Response Operations Management, Information Communication, Kanlaon’s explosive eruption on Dec. 9 has affected 12,286 families across Western and Central Visayas.
Of the 5,769 families directly displaced, over 3,000 are currently sheltered in 23 evacuation centers.
“Our field offices in Western and Central Visayas conducted activities such as arts and crafts making, storytelling sessions, parenting dialogues, and various mental health interventions in partnership with the local and national government agencies, and other private organizations,” Dumlao said.
She added that personnel from the DSWD’s Field Office 6 (Western Visayas) helped set up temporary learning sessions for children at La Castellana Elementary School to ensure their education is not disrupted.
In addition to psychosocial support, DSWD’s Field Office 7 (Central Visayas) has coordinated medical consultations and health check-ups for evacuees, in partnership with the Provincial Health Office, City Health Office, Department of Health, and local medical professionals.
As of Monday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology continues to observe ash emissions at Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island.