MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 6 (Western Visayas) has prepositioned 37,868 family food packs (FFPs) and other relief supplies in preparation for a possible eruption of Mt. Kanlaon. The move comes after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised concerns about the volcanic activity, warning of possible eruptive unrest.
According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group Irene Dumlao said on Thursday that the agency had PHP147 million worth of food and non-food items (NFIs) ready for distribution. These supplies, including family kits, sleeping kits, hygiene kits, and kitchen kits, have been strategically placed in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, one of the most affected areas during the June 2023 eruption.
The DSWD has also allocated PHP3 million in standby funds and has provided training for local government units (LGUs) on Internally Displaced Persons Protection (IDPP) and Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM). The Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City has been identified as a key evacuation center for several municipalities and cities in Negros Occidental in the event of an emergency.
In addition to Western Visayas, DSWD Field Office 7 (Central Visayas) has prepositioned relief supplies in Negros Oriental, ensuring there are enough resources to augment LGU capacities. Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero stated that 6,800 FFPs and various NFIs are already in place, with further support available for distribution from Dumaguete City and the nearby municipality of Vallehermoso.
Lucero added that DSWD FO-7 has requested an additional 3,000 NFIs from the National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City to be prepositioned in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.