The Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has recommended, in a resolution, to place the province under a state of calamity.

The recommendation is expected to be tackled in a session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Friday, December 13, 2024.

“The Council agreed to pass a resolution declaring the entire Province of Negros Occidental under state of calamity; every LGU [Local Government Unit] now who is willing to help can tap their Quick Response Fund,” Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said.

Around P78 million in Quick Response Fund will be used for food and other necessities of over 10,000 individuals in evacuation centers.

“Kakayanin natin? Definitely not with our resources. In fact, si [Defense] Secretary [Gilbert] Teodoro will now be going to the President and asking also for additional funds to take care of our affected constituents,” Governor Lacson added.

Task Force Kanlaon expects operations at evacuation centers to last for three weeks especially in La Castellana town and La Carlota City.

In addition, preparation is underway for the conversion of Panaad Sports Complex in Bacolod City into a mega evacuation center should volcanic unrest prevail.

“May mga coming tayong family tents from the national government so as soon as they arrive in Bacolod, we will put it out,” said Director Donato Sermeno III, deputy commander of Task Force Kanlaon.

Water distribution lines in La Castellana’s affected barangays have been shut off temporarily awaiting test results on waters samples submitted for potability test at the Provincial Health Office.

“Nag-conduct sila ng water rationing upang may magamit ang ating residents doon,” Bryll Larry Sañor, information officer of the Negros Occidental Public Information Office, said.