P203.8M for Kanlaon Volcano response in Negros LGUs

Four local government units (LGUs) in Negros Island will receive P203.8 million from the national government to support ongoing response efforts related to Kanlaon Volcano, as announced by Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno during a press briefing in Bacolod City on Thursday, May 1.

The funding includes allocations for Himamaylan City (P62.5 million), La Carlota City (P63.1 million), and La Castellana (P48.5 million) in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City (P29.7 million) in Negros Oriental.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the funding two weeks ago, with its release expected soon, although the Himamaylan City fund may be delayed until after the midterm elections due to Comelec restrictions on public spending during election periods.

The funds will be used for essential supplies such as food, fuel, medical items, and logistics, while Himamaylan City plans to establish a 'tent city' in preparation for potential large-scale evacuations.

Currently, around 2,600 families or 8,300 individuals are in evacuation centers under Alert Level 3, with the number potentially swelling to 70,000 to 90,000 if Alert Level 4 is declared.