President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured residents of Negros that the government has long-term plans in place to ensure their safety and livelihood as Kanlaon Volcano remains active.
“We do not know when Kanlaon’s activity will stop, but we have measures in place for today, the coming months, and the future to guarantee your safety and well-being,” President Marcos said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
The president emphasized that he would not allow the ongoing volcanic activity to disrupt the lives of Negros residents, reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing necessary assistance and resources.
Last month, President Marcos pushed for creating a national task force on Kanlaon led by the Office of Civil Defense.
He also called for the construction of permanent evacuation centers outside the six-kilometer danger zone.
The President previously visited affected areas and distributed aid, as government data shows 48,528 individuals across 28 cities and municipalities have been impacted.
Authorities have provided P96 million in assistance and prepositioned P144 million worth of relief supplies.
Emphasizing sustainable resettlement, Mr. Marcos said relocation must include infrastructure, utilities, and livelihood opportunities.
He urged a coordinated, long-term approach to mitigate the disaster’s impact and improve future preparedness.