La Castellana, Bago City Evacuees Seek Support

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – La Castellana Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan appealed to residents living in Kanlaon Volcano’s Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) to voluntarily evacuate amid the risk of further eruptions.

Speaking to The Daily Guardian on December 10, the mayor acknowledged that while many residents have left their homes, some continue to resist evacuation despite the evident dangers posed by the volcano.

“Our local government resources are already depleted due to the eruption last June,” Mangilimutan said, noting that the town remains under a state of calamity declared earlier this year.

Assistance for Evacuees

Mangilimutan also sought the help of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian to establish a permanent relocation site for affected residents.

Gatchalian, along with Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, visited La Castellana and brought immediate aid, including 20 portable water filters. Food supplies from the national government are expected to arrive soon.

“Pinadala tayo dito mismo ng ating Presidente upang kamustahin ang ating mga kababayan na apektado,” Gatchalian said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting affected communities.

According to Mangilimutan, 2,715 families, or 8,799 individuals, from seven barangays are now sheltered in 11 evacuation centers in La Castellana.

Struggles of Evacuees

Among the evacuees is 36-year-old Rona Francisco, who, along with her husband and five children, evacuated from Sitio Odiong, Barangay Camandag, on Monday night.

“If we had our way, we would rather stay and continue our work as ‘karga-tapas’ to sustain our needs than rely on food assistance in the evacuation center,” Francisco said, adding that her family urgently needs more tents and water.

Mangilimutan assured evacuees that the local government is working to address these concerns but could not give a timeline for their return, citing the possibility of further eruptions.

Bago City Impact

In nearby Bago City, the eruption affected 1,580 individuals, or 398 families, across four barangays: Mailum, Ilijan, Binubuhan, and Ma-ao.

Evacuees have been housed in various facilities, including the Bago City Gymnasium, Ramon Torres National High School, and the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center.

No casualties or injuries have been reported, according to the Bago City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

Classes in all levels remain suspended in Bago City until December 13 to allow schools time to prepare for the resumption of activities on December 16.

City Hall operations have also been suspended, except for essential services related to health, disaster response, and other critical functions.

With further eruptions still possible, disaster response teams remain on high alert to ensure the safety of affected residents. Local officials urge evacuees to cooperate fully with authorities and follow safety protocols.