NEGROS OCCIDENTAL (PIA) — No person goes hungry inside the evacuation centers in the municipality of La Castellana, the town hardest hit when Kanlaon volcano erupted on June 3.
La Castellana Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Emily Tan noted that evacuees are provided breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily as donations from private entities and food packs from the government are in stock.
Tan noted that not only their physical needs are addressed but also their psycho-social well-being, especially the children.
Recently, about 50 psychologists from the University of Saint La Salle (USLS) spent a full day in the five evacuation centers in the town to conduct psycho-social activities.
These five evacuation sites in the municipality include the Municipal Evacuation Center with 51 families, La Castellana Elementary School with 206 families, Saint Vincent High School with 171, Don Felix Robles Elementary School with 238 families, and La Castellana High School with171 families.
There is also the presence of medical personnel, from the Provincial Health Office, and the Red Cross which are ready to respond to eventualities, she said.
Activities for mothers and women are also provided so they don’t get bored inside the evacuation center, Tan said.
She said the most common medical complaints inside the center are stomachache and headache while those needing special medical attention are attended by medical personnel.
According to Tan, they conduct a head count every night to ensure that all are present in their rooms, as well as an attendance check carried out by a family leader, while those who wish to go out are given pass slips to monitor their whereabouts.
“We are committed to giving our 100% effort for the well-being of the evacuees. We may not be perfect but we do our best to protect them and their children,” Tan said. (AAL/Lljr PIA6 Negros Occ.)
