Rotary, Groups Extend Aid to Kanlaon Evacuees

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Assistance continues to pour in for victims of the December 9, 2024, Kanlaon volcano eruption, with support coming from non-government organizations, national officials, and other local government units in Negros Occidental.

Over the weekend, members of the Rotary Club of Bacolod Central delivered over PHP 1 million worth of construction materials and relief goods to evacuees in La Castellana town.

La Castellana Mayor Rhummyla Mangilimutan and 5th District Representative Emilio Bernardino Yulo received the 2,100 corrugated and plain galvanized iron sheets, along with various relief goods intended for affected families.

The aid was primarily funded by Rotary International through a $25,000 disaster grant to District 3850, aimed at supporting recovery efforts as hundreds of homes sustained roofing damage due to heavy ashfall.

The Rotarians also distributed 200 hygiene kits, 2,400 bottles of water, 1,000 boxes of face masks, 200 sacks of 5-kilo rice, hot meals, canned goods, and coffee to evacuees at the La Castellana National Junior High School.

Eight sacks of diapers were endorsed to Representative Yulo’s office for distribution across evacuation centers.

Immediate Past District Governor Mate Espina said the grant money from Rotary International’s disaster fund would also cover post-disaster medical and surgical missions once the danger warning is lifted.

Rotary Club of Bacolod Central President Rolem Basiya shared that this is the second time the club has provided assistance since the eruption.

“We were truly amazed at the resilience of the evacuees, particularly the children, who even helped unload truckloads of relief goods,” Basiya said.

“There is really joy in service,” he added, thanking fellow Rotarians and donors who contributed to fulfilling the club’s commitment to aiding the evacuees.

San Miguel Foundation and San Miguel Brewery Bacolod donated 30 boxes of coffee and PHP 27,000 contributed by employees to support the relief mission.

Basiya also thanked Philippine Airlines for sponsoring the freight of the much-needed face masks and Triumph Hardware for delivering the construction materials free of charge.

The Rotary Club of Bacolod Central also acknowledged the support of Congressman Yulo’s office, AB Designs and Construction Inc., Alex and Chokie Abelido, Fast Logistics Corporation, Mt. Zion Pharma and Medical Supplies, Nepan Sales, Past President Sandi Pranza, Past President Gard De Erit, and Shine BA Trading.

The Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade of Bacolod City provided food packs for evacuees across the town’s 11 evacuation centers.

The Lions Club, led by Councilor Añejо Nicor, distributed hygiene kits, rice, water, and hot meals to evacuees.

Meanwhile, the Sipalay City Government deployed a mobile kitchen to serve hot meals to those displaced by the eruption.

HOMECORE DEPOT also donated 75 packs of assorted goods to assist evacuees.