TASK FORCE FOR VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS PUSHED

THE President sees the need to form a national task force composed of vital government agencies, along with local government units, to formulate a long-term redevelopment plan for communities affected by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.

During a situation briefing, President Marcos emphasized the importance of further synergizing government responses and preparedness on natural disasters.

“Let’s decide what are the agencies that should be involved in the task force. And then sit down together with all the relevant agencies, and put together a plan,” President Marcos said during the briefing.

The President ordered the national task force to be led by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) and pushed for the building of permanent evacuation centers for displaced residents. Such centers must be located outside the six-kilometer danger zone, he added.

Currently, 2,660 families (8,509 individuals) displaced by the continuing volcanic eruption are in 23 evacuation centers in Western and Central Visayas.

An additional 90,000 people may be evacuated if the alert is raised to level 4, according to Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.

Before the briefing, President Marcos distributed aid to victims of the calamity.

The eruption has impacted 12,632 families (48,528 individuals) across 28 cities and municipalities in Western Visayas.

The government has provided P95.6 million in assistance and prepositioned P144.04 million worth of relief supplies for affected areas.