Bago City Unveils ‘Payag Village’ for Kanlaon Evacuees

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Some 22 families affected by the Dec. 9, 2024, Kanlaon Volcano eruption may begin occupying modernized bahay kubo units in Barangay Napoles, Bago City, Negros Occidental, by March.

This comes after the city government inaugurated the “Payag sang Kapag-on Village” on Feb. 21, serving as a temporary relocation site for internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.

Located on a seven-hectare city government property in Barangay Napoles, the site features 50 fully constructed nipa huts.

Dr. Merijene Ortizo, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), said the structures are equipped with electricity and portable toilets. They were designed to offer privacy, ensure natural ventilation, and foster a communal living environment.

Most evacuees come from Purok Manukan, Barangay Ilijan.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Irene Bel Ploteña lauded the city government’s pioneering efforts in establishing the village and assured continued support from the provincial government.

The province also provided Emergency Go Bags to the IDPs. Pastor Sonny Boy Zaragosa led the blessing of the village.

Ortizo said the project materialized through the collective efforts of people who are committed to helping others.

Inspired by the traditional Filipino house and its connection to nature, the concept was presented during the first full council meeting of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) on Jan. 6. She thanked the council and everyone involved in making the project a reality.

San Carlos City Prepares Evacuation Sites

Meanwhile, the San Carlos City government is preparing three evacuation sites for Kanlaon evacuees.

Mayor Rene Gustilo earlier said the city is working on a two-hectare lot in Barangay Prosperidad, a three-hectare city-owned lot, and additional sites in Barangays Codcod and Quezon.

One site will serve as a temporary shelter for residents of Barangay Codcod, which could be impacted by a major eruption. The other sites will primarily house evacuees from Canlaon City in Negros Oriental, where the volcano is located.

Gustilo emphasized the city’s readiness to accommodate as many evacuees as possible but noted a lack of funding for site development.

He highlighted the urgency of installing comfort rooms and water systems at the evacuation centers.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has yet to commit to providing tents for San Carlos City as it continues evaluating the situation.

The mayor also expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of food supplies, cautioning that the city’s budget could be stretched thin and affect ongoing development projects.

Gustilo said officials are considering an “adoption” program where families from Canlaon with relatives in San Carlos could stay with them. Data is being gathered to facilitate this effort.

While ashfall may affect some parts of San Carlos, Gustilo said a major eruption would likely not directly impact the area.