OCD assists Kanlaon Volcano evacuees, proposes long-term solutions

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) continues to assist residents affected by the December 9, 2024 explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, with nearly three months having passed.

As of Sunday, March 2, 8,596 individuals or 2,686 families from Western Visayas and Central Visayas remain in 22 evacuation centers, mostly schools, where classes have been disrupted.

Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno stated that the situation remains unpredictable, with Kanlaon Volcano still under Alert Level 3, prohibiting activities within a six-kilometer radius.

Children's education has been impacted as evacuees and students studying in converted school shelters face learning deficiencies; remedial classes are being conducted by the Department of Education to address this issue.

Residents have expressed boredom and frustration at staying in evacuation centers for nearly three months, leading OCD to present recommendations focusing on long-term solutions to President Marcos Jr. on Monday, March 3 through a National Task Force for Kanlaon.