Negros Occidental governor rules out calamity declaration

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson ruled out declaring a state of calamity for the province despite the damage caused by the southwest monsoon (Habagat), which was enhanced by Tropical Storm Gener and Tropical Depression Ferdie.

“No, we will not declare a state of calamity. I mean, everybody has returned to almost normal conditions. Our concern now is really Kanlaon,” Lacson told reporters on Thursday.

Regarding the sulfur dioxide emitted by Kanlaon Volcano, Lacson said the provincial government could provide face masks to affected residents as long as supplies last.

“It is unfortunate that the wind is not in our favor. The sulfur dioxide has always been there, but in the past, the wind blew it away. Now, it’s blowing toward us, and that’s why people can smell it,” he explained.

The governor urged residents to remain vigilant.

“We are always wary of an eruption. Whatever instructions are issued, especially by the disaster risk reduction office, just follow them,” Lacson advised.

He added that no one should be staying within the permanent danger zone around Kanlaon Volcano.

Earlier, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) reported PHP 3.3 million in livestock losses due to the southwest monsoon.

Damage to rice and corn crops across 160 barangays totaled PHP 146.18 million, while losses in fisheries were estimated at PHP 1.78 million, affecting 15 barangays.

A total of 3,108 heads of livestock were affected in 402 households across 71 barangays.

In total, 56,807 families, or 207,197 individuals, were impacted in 261 barangays across 25 localities. The province also experienced 29 flood events and nine landslides.

A total of 1,035 houses were damaged, with 46 completely destroyed and 989 partially damaged.