State of Calamity Looms over Negros Occ. After Eruption

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has passed a resolution recommending the declaration of a state of calamity following the eruption of Mount Kanlaon on Monday.

The governor presided over the PDRRMC meeting at the Provincial Capitol on Thursday morning to receive updates on Mount Kanlaon and the local disaster response.

The Provincial Council is expected to approve the declaration in a special session today, Friday, December 13, 2024.

Lacson said the state of calamity declaration would allow the provincial government and local government units (LGUs) to use their calamity funds to assist those affected by the eruption.

“In our just-concluded PDRRMC meeting, the council agreed to pass a resolution declaring the entire province of Negros Occidental under a state of calamity. With this, we will be able to tap our quick response fund,” Lacson said in an interview after the meeting.

He added that LGUs willing to assist affected areas can also access their quick response funds.

“Many of the LGUs in the province have been asking when we would declare this state of calamity because they would like to help affected LGUs,” he said.

The governor noted that the Office of Civil Defense plans to recommend a mandatory evacuation for areas within six kilometers of Mount Kanlaon. At least 33,806 individuals are projected to be affected by the eruption.

“That’s the minimum,” Lacson emphasized.

The PDRRMC also urged the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to impose a price cap on basic and prime commodities in response to the calamity.

Lacson called on businesses not to exploit the situation, citing reports that the price of face masks had surged.

“By keeping prices where they should be, we are actually helping the victims of the Kanlaon eruption,” he said.

Addressing disaster recovery efforts, Lacson admitted that the provincial government could not handle the situation alone.

“Definitely not with our resources,” he said. “In fact, Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro mentioned to me that we will now approach the President to request additional funds to support our affected constituents in Negros Occidental.”

“We are hoping for the best,” Lacson said.

The PDRRMC meeting was attended by representatives from PHIVOLCS, the Office of Civil Defense, and other concerned government agencies.