ILOILO — The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) has released over PHP161 million in aid to families and individuals affected by the El Niño phenomenon and the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Western Visayas during the first half of 2024.
According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke at the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Tuesday, more than PHP120.06 million was allocated for El Niño-hit families. The assistance included food and non-food items (NFIs), livelihood support, and water supplies. The response to El Niño, which concluded in July, impacted 1,843,580 individuals and resulted in over PHP1.71 billion in damages to the agricultural sector, a significant loss for one of the country’s major agricultural regions.
In addition, PHP41.23 million was provided to those affected by the Mt. Kanlaon eruption on June 3. The eruption impacted 33,606 individuals and caused damage to 2,680 houses due to ashfall. Fernandez noted that the OCD continues to mobilize resources and monitor developments related to these and other potential calamities.
Preparations are also underway for the anticipated La Niña phenomenon, with welfare goods and NFIs prepositioned at strategic locations, primarily within military camps. Fernandez mentioned that the OCD is ready to activate the Regional Task Force La Niña in the coming days.