Negros begins final feeding wave for Kanlaon evacuees

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the provincial government will launch the sixth and final wave of its feeding program on July 21 for internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the Kanlaon Volcano eruption.

He said about 2,000 evacuees will benefit from the initiative, which will use the remaining PHP2.8 million from the PHP50 million assistance provided by Malacañang.

Lacson said the PHP2.8 million worth of hot meals will be served over 30 days through seven community kitchens in La Castellana and one each in La Carlota and Bago City.

Earlier, the La Castellana municipal government allowed 1,850 evacuees to return to their homes near the highway in Barangay Cabagna-an, which lies outside the 5.2-kilometer danger zone from the Kanlaon summit crater.

La Castellana Mayor Anejo Nicor said the local government was forced to release the IDPs due to exhausted funds.

While officials continue to advise against human activity within the 6-kilometer danger zone, Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Donato Sermeno III said they respect the decision of the local government units.

He noted that PHP203 million in assistance earmarked for local governments affected by the Kanlaon eruption has yet to be released by the Department of Budget and Management.

LGUs have been instructed to follow up directly with the DBM regarding the release of their respective shares.

Nicor said they have yet to receive a response from the DBM, despite having submitted all required documents.

Lacson also said the provincial government is preparing to purchase an 8-hectare lot as a permanent relocation site for displaced residents of La Castellana.

He said they are in negotiations with a landowner who has agreed to sell the property, which is located outside the extended 6-kilometer danger zone.

The site can accommodate 200 IDPs, who will also be provided farm lots to cultivate, Lacson said.

He added that the area is flat and has access to a nearby school.