Bais City donates P1 M for Kanlaon victims


BACOLOD CITY – The Bais City government in Negros Oriental has donated P1 million to the Canlaon City government for residents displaced by the Kanlaon Volcano eruption last Dec. 9.

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MAYOR Jose Chubasco Cardenas (center) of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental receives a check for  P1 million from Bais City Mayor Luigi Marcel Goñi (left) on Monday, Jan. 27, for evacuees displaced by the Dec. 9, 2024 eruption of Kanlaon Volcano. (Photo via Salta Canlaon Official)

Bais City Mayor Luigi Marcel Goñi turned over a check to Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas during a visit on Monday, Jan. 27.

In a Facebook post, the Bais city government called on other local government units, private organizations, and individuals to extend their support and solidarity to Kanlaon victims during this challenging time.

It said that Canlaon City and its people are in urgent need of help. Goñi urged people to stand united and show the spirit of bayanihan or community cooperation in action. “Together, we can make a significant difference in rebuilding lives and providing relief to those affected,” he said.

Cardenas thanked Bais City and the Incident Management Team for the financial assistance and donating mats for evacuees.

Meanwhile, the Canlaon City government said no residents were detained during the evacuation after Alert Level 3 was raised over Kanlaon Volcano.

The city, in a statement on Tuesday, Jan. 28, said the purpose of the evacuation is entirely humanitarian and focused on the welfare of affected communities. 

It is the responsibility and priority of the local government unit to protect the lives of its citizens during times of heightened risk, it said.

The city added that the evacuation of residents within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone is a mandate of the Office of Civil Defense and based on recommendations by Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

These precautionary measures are not arbitrary but are implemented in accordance with national disaster management protocols, ensuring the safety of residents who may be in danger from potential hazardous eruptions, it added. It said that evacuation orders are temporary and are issued solely to prevent harm.

It urged the public to verify information and refrain from spreading misleading statements that could cause confusion especially during this critical time when cooperation and vigilance are essential.