Marcos wants coordination for evacuation facilities of Kanlaon-affected residents

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has highlighted the need for close coordination among local governments in identifying location for evacuation facilities for those affected by the activities of Kanlaon Volcano.

In a meeting on Monday, Marcos reiterated that the government would enforce a long-term plan to ensure the safety of residents affected by the Kanlaon Volcano. He said the plan involves identifying safe evacuation sites and establishing permanent relocation areas.

“That's the one item we have to decide [on] --the location of the evacuation centers. Once again, let's coordinate very closely with the local governments,” Marcos said in a press statement issued Tuesday.

“They already have some proposals. Tingnan lang natin kung talagang [Let's see if] it's scientifically correct in terms of the choice… And then [let's see] how we regulate the rebuilding in the different towns,'' he added.

In organizing the National Task Force on Kanlaon, Marcos said he prefers to keep the composition small, with the Department of National Defense-Office of Civil Defense as lead.

The President stressed the need for a plan to move people out of danger zones and build large evacuation centers for affected residents.

He also told concerned agencies to continue supporting affected localities, citing the good coordination between the national and local governments.

Last week, Marcos met local officials to discuss the recent situation amid the Kanlaon Volcano's recent eruptions.

Canlaon City, Negros Oriental Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas had said there should be sufficient funds if a permanent evacuation center will be built for the residents. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News