Palace Allots PHP63M More for Kanlaon-Hit LGUs

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Office of the President has allocated an additional PHP63 million in assistance to local government units (LGUs) on Negros Island affected by the recent Kanlaon Volcano eruption.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno announced the aid during his visit to La Carlota City, Negros Occidental on Friday, three days after the April 8 eruption.

The volcano’s activity triggered ashfall in several villages, disrupting basic services including water supply in Barangays San Miguel and Ara-al.

Nepomuceno acknowledged the mounting challenges faced by LGUs in supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), especially with local funds already stretched thin since the Dec. 9, 2024 eruption.

He said the PHP63 million corresponds to the requested funding for sustaining operations in evacuation centers.

“We will follow up on the release of this additional aid,” he said, noting that it has already been signed off by the national government.

La Castellana Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan earlier said they had requested PHP47 million to assist 4,244 individuals or 1,362 families displaced by the December eruption.

The national government previously provided PHP50 million for Kanlaon response efforts in Negros Occidental following last year’s eruption.

Among the worst-hit areas in the province were La Castellana, Bago City, and La Carlota City.

During his visit, Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of both immediate and long-term solutions for communities affected by Kanlaon’s unrest.

He said the OCD would send additional water filtration units to support La Carlota’s potable water needs and distribute N95 masks to protect residents from ash exposure.

La Carlota City Mayor Rex Jalando-on has officially postponed this year’s Pasalamat Festival due to the continuing impact of Kanlaon Volcano.

In a video message posted on Facebook on April 11, Jalando-on said the April 8 eruption had severely affected six barangays — Ara-al, San Miguel, La Granja, Yubo, Haguimit, and Nagasi — which are still dealing with the aftermath of the ashfall.

Originally set for April 21 to 27, the festival was put on hold following consultations with barangay leaders, city officials, organizers, and stakeholders.

“This wasn’t an easy decision,” the mayor said.

“But the challenges brought by Kanlaon are far greater. We have much work to do right now.”

The city has shifted its focus to disaster response and ensuring aid reaches those affected.

While recognizing the Pasalamat Festival’s cultural significance as a time of unity and gratitude, Jalando-on emphasized that public safety and community welfare must come first.

He thanked all those who had been preparing for the event — from performers and vendors to barangay leaders and families — and appealed for their understanding.

Reflecting on the volcano’s eruption, Jalando-on acknowledged the uncertainty and force of nature that residents must endure.

“Kanlaon has tested us once again,” he said.

“But together, we will rise — and we will celebrate once more.”

He clarified that the festival is only postponed, not canceled.

“When it’s safe, Pasalamat will return — stronger and with even more to be thankful for. Let us all stay safe, hopeful, and resilient,” he added.

More than 1,000 residents remain in evacuation centers following the Dec. 9 eruption.

Nepomuceno expressed support for La Carlota City’s decision to postpone the festival, saying disaster response must take precedence.

“It’s difficult for evacuees and those who lost their livelihood,” he said.

“They need help, time, resources, and focus — especially since we don’t know when this will end.”

He acknowledged the postponement may disappoint some, but stressed the importance of compassion and collective action during this crisis.