Kabankalan City Ready to Aid Kanlaon Evacuees

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Benjie Miranda of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, announced that the city is prepared to accommodate evacuees from La Castellana town in case of a Kanlaon volcano eruption.

Miranda told reporters on Sunday, during the culmination of the Sinulog Festival, that he has designated a specific area for evacuees if the need arises.

Kabankalan City is adjacent to Himamaylan City, where the Office of Civil Defense is setting up a Tent City.

Miranda also said that this week, he will turn over PHP 1 million in financial assistance to four local government units affected by the December 9, 2024, eruption.

Of the PHP 1 million, PHP 400,000 will go to La Castellana, while La Carlota City, Bago City, and Moises Padilla will each receive PHP 200,000.

Meanwhile, Miranda said the 49th Sinulog Festival was a success.

He noted that the event continues to attract both local and foreign tourists, with this year’s crowd surpassing previous years.

“We are aiming higher,” Miranda said, adding that the 50th Sinulog Festival will be even grander if he remains mayor after the 2025 midterm election.