2 weeks Ago By Reymund Titong
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – As the volatile Kanlaon Volcano continues to smolder, the city of Himamaylan in Negros Occidental braces to serve as a major refuge for evacuees displaced by the December 9 eruption . Local officials are mobilizing resources and coordinating with neighboring towns, aware that the crisis could soon escalate into a larger humanitarian emergency. Himamaylan Mayor Raymund Tongson said on Tuesday, December 10, that the city government would open its doors to support neighboring localities, particularly La Castellana town, as discussed with other political leaders and government agencies, in anticipation of evacuees arriving due to the worsening volcanic activity in the province.
“As a neighboring locality, it is our responsibility to assist in times of need. We are ready to accommodate evacuees should the situation worsen,” Tongson said. FLEE.
Residents of Barangay Masalanao in La Castellana town evacuate to safer grounds on Monday, December 9, following the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano. – Reymund Titong/Rappler Tongson noted that only Himamaylan is a component city in the province’s 5th District, and has more resources to augment relief efforts. He said the city’s location, approximately 40 kilometers from La Castellana and relatively far from Kanlaon Volcano, makes it a safer option if the volcano’s activity intensifies.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that if another eruption becomes likely, the Office of Civil Defense will enforce a forced evacuation within a 10-kilometer radius. “This is now a serious situation,” Lacson said, expressing hope that all local governments will cooperate and implement the forced evacuation if necessary, extending up to the 10-kilometer danger zone. Lacson also announced that the Negros Occidental provincial government would declare a state of calamity within the week, enabling access to its 30% quick response fund, amounting to P78 million.
Earlier, Lacson placed all response clusters in the province on red alert status to facilitate emergency operations and provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the eruption. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Deputy Director Mylene Villegas told a news conference on Monday that the eruption could generate lahar, especially during rainfall, and urged affected towns to take precautionary measures. Based on Phivolcs’s December 12 bulletin, Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3 due to heightened activity.
The volcano emitted two ash plumes lasting between 11 and 39 minutes, and 31 volcanic earthquakes were recorded. The sulfur dioxide flux reached 4,121 tons per day as of December 10, and a 100-meter-high plume with continuous emissions and occasional ash drifted westward. Phivolcs added that it also observed signs of magma intrusion beneath the surface.
The agency has been repeatedly warning residents of the potential for stronger and more explosive eruptions, which could pose life-threatening hazards. La Castellana, located closer to Kanlaon Volcano, has remained in a state of calamity since the J une 3 eruption , according to Mayor Rhummyla Alme Mangalimutan. Authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and follow advisories from Phivolcs and disaster management offices.
They also caution against spreading misinformation, which could exacerbate the fear and anxiety experienced by affected families. Donation drives Meanwhile, various schools and civic organizations have launched donation drives to assist thousands of residents displaced and forced to seek refuge in temporary shelters. The evacuees face shortages of tents, drinking water, and face masks in evacuation centers, further straining their already difficult situation.
While the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has assured affected residents that sufficient supplies of basic necessities are available, the need for additional support continues to grow. Here are some organizations accepting donations to assist those displaced by the Mount Kanlaon eruption: Kabankalan Catholic College’s PABAKUD Drive : Donations help displaced families in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, now taking refuge at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish-Shrine.
Drop-off point: College Faculty Room Contact: 09956221489 Akbay La Carlota-Youth : Accepting cash donations and in-kind support for affected families. RCBC: 9050035897 (Krishaline Francisco) GCash: 09777178655 (Eden Rose Calangi) Drop-off point: Corner Yunque-Iglesia Street, Barangay II, La Carlota City (Red Gate, across Prince Hypermart, Guerra’s residence) Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute (NYLI): Collecting donations for residents of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, particularly in barangays Pula, Masulog, Malaiba, Lumapao, and Linuthangan. Drop-off point: 2F Negros First Cybercenter Annex Building, Hernaez Street, Bacolod City (in front of Phoenix Gasoline Station) Hope Builders Organization Negros Island (HBONI): Accepting monetary and in-kind donations such as face masks, drinking water, food supplies, and other essentials.
GCash: Chairyl Joe Motin, 09955050241 Drop-off point: SK Hall, Barangay Mailum, Bago City Contacts: Mariel Villanueva (09664281517) and Ivy Puntal (09561585237) Bago City College Red Cross Youth Council : Collecting face masks, bottled drinking water, canned goods, clothing, and toiletries. Drop-off point: Bago City College RCY Office GCash: Noemi Taller, 09121428845 Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU): Seeking donations and volunteers for relief efforts supporting families displaced by the eruption. Needed items include drinking water (preferably in gallon containers), N95 masks, vitamins, OTC medicines, and non-perishable food items.
Drop-off points: CHMSUyanihan booths on Alijis Campus, Binalbagan Campus, Fortune Towne Campus, and Talisay (Main) Campus GCash: 0927 971 0303 (Jan Iver Dema-ala, Federation Treasurer) Bank: Caritas Bacolod Social Action Foundation, Inc. (Account No. 002-02-00155-5) Girl Scouts of the Philippines-Negros Occidental Council : Accepting food, drinking water, face masks, and monetary donations until December 13.
Drop-off location: GSP-Negros Occidental Girl Scout Council, Araneta Street, Singcang, Bacolod City GCash: Sharmaine Napaton, 09566402656 Pamatan-on nga Mangunguma sang Negros Alliance (PAMANA): Accepting cash and in-kind donations for affected communities across LGUs in Central Negros Occidental. Contact: Francissa Alejano, PAMANA vice chairperson GoTyme: Francissa Alejano (Account No. 014172808614) GCash: Francissa Alejano, 09665788693 – Rappler.
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