Permanent relocation for Kanlaon evacuees eyed

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan of La Castellana, Negros Occidental said the local government is proposing a permanent relocation site for residents living within the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) of Kanlaon Volcano.

The mayor told reporters in a phone interview Wednesday that she will seek assistance from the national government for this endeavor.

“This is our proposal because the LGU cannot afford to relocate them on its own, so we will be asking for support from the national government to permanently evacuate them,” Mangilimutan said.

She noted that about 200 families live in the PDZ, with around 100 households still remaining in the area.

“We need to relocate them permanently, but we cannot afford it,” the mayor reiterated.

She added that the LGU will need to establish boundaries in the area to prohibit human habitation.

The mayor mentioned that the current situation in the town seems stable, but Alert Level II remains in effect regarding the status of Kanlaon Volcano.

Regarding the internally displaced individuals, she assured there is still enough food for their consumption and expressed gratitude to those who have sent help.