BACOLOD CITY (PIA) – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved over P203 million in additional funding for local government units (LGUs) at risk of Kanlaon Volcano’s continuing unrest.
This was confirmed by Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, who said the financial assistance amounting to P203,881,186 would be directly downloaded to the concerned LGUs.
“Susunod din kami pagdating sa kung paano gagamitin. Susunod din dapat ‘yan sa panuntunan ng Commission on Elections, although relief operations in general ay allowed naman ‘yan. Subalit magkakaroon ng ibang pamamaraan para tulungan ang ating mga kababayan,” Nepomuceno clarified in a press conference in Bacolod City.
(We will follow the regulations. It must adhere to the guidelines of the Commission on Elections, although relief operations in general are allowed. There will be appropriate means to help our countrymen [amid the election season].)
The supplementary fund is expected to help local governments address gaps in essential services and resources in their respective communities, five months into the evacuation of residents following the December 2024 explosive eruption of the volcano.
La Carlota City will receive the largest amount at P63,097,000, which is primarily allocated for the internally displaced persons’ (IDPs) food, water, utilities, and evacuation center improvements.
Himamaylan City, where the Tent City is being established, follows at P62,539,736; La Castellana with P48,521,100; and Canlaon City with P29,723,350.
Nepomuceno said that the additional aid comes from the P20 billion-National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, but stressed this budget diminishes fast, especially during the rainy season.
“Hindi pa natin alam kung kailan talaga puputok ang bulkan, so talagang tinitipid din natin,” he noted.
(We do not know when the volcano will erupt next, so we really are trying to be frugal [with our budget].)
Usec. Nepomuceno added that the downloading of the funds to the local governments is expected soon, reassuring the affected citizens that the national government continues to provide needed support amid this crisis. (AGP/BPS/PIA Negros Occidental)
