Marcos eyes long-term solutions to displacement of families around Kanlaon Volcano

LA CARLOTA CITY –President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Friday said he wanted long-term measures to address the displacement of families who are affected by the activity of Kanlaon Volcano. 

Marcos remarked after he met local officials to discuss the recent situation amid the Kanlaon Volcano's recent eruptions.

"Ano ‘yung pangangailangan? Kung mayroon pang kulang dito sa support na ibinibigay natin sa mga evacuees at saka ‘yung mga na-displace, ‘yung wala sa evacuation center pero wala sa bahay nila,'' Marcos told reporters. 

''So, tuloy-tuloy lang naman ‘yun, that will be continued. Pero now ang mahabang diskusyon is ‘yung long term, paano natin gagawin,'' he added.

(What do they need? What support do they still need for the evacuees and the displaced–those who are already out of the evacuation centers but have no more homes to go to?)

Canlaon City, Negros Oriental Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas said there should be sufficient funds if a permanent evacuation center will be built for the residents. 

''I think for the 2,400 families and 8,000 individuals it reaches up to P400 to P500 million,'' Cardenas said. 

Marcos said a permanent evacuation center outside the danger zone to cater to those affected by Kanlaon's volcanic activities was being considered.

Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, meaning evacuation from the six-kilometer radius of the volcano’s summit has been recommended.

In its latest advisory, PHIVOLCS said ten volcanic earthquakes have been recorded as of February 21.

The volcano edifice is inflated, the agency added.

Possible hazards include sudden explosive eruption, lava flow or effusion, ashfall, pyroclastic density current, rockfall, and lahars during heavy rains.

Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer said Friday that a good portion of the Quick Response Fund had been used because of the Kanlaon Volcano. 

Ferrer said 70 percent of the QRF had been used and he had already asked the Department of the Interior and Local Government if the developmental fund could be used in case the volcano's restiveness continued. 

Marcos said QRF would be provided for the affected localities. –NB, GMA Integrated News