Kanlaon Volcano evacuees moved to tents, courts

Over a thousand families of Kanlaon Volcano evacuees in La Castellana town were moved out of school buildings on Monday, June 16, to make way for returning students after months as temporary residents.

About 4,048 people or roughly 1,282 families have been relocated from five barangays to covered courts and tents provided by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

Around 700 residents from Barangay Cabagnaan remain in 130 tents near La Castellana National High School and La Castellana Central Elementary School, while another 200 evacuees are still housed in unoccupied classrooms.

Biak na Bato barangay chairman Joselito Martinez expressed concern over the lack of proper shelter for evacuees and the insufficient food supply provided by OCD.

La Castellana Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan requested humanitarian measures, including allowing evacuees to use classrooms at night, but funding constraints have hindered permanent relocation plans.

The Department of Education (DepEd) requires a formal request and relocation plan from the local government for any changes in evacuation arrangements.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved a P203.88-million aid package for evacuees across affected areas, but distribution remains pending.