Gov’t assures stronger response for Kanlaon victims

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday assured the public of an intensified government response to aid those affected by the Mt. Kanlaon eruption.

“We will step up. We will level up. Any escalation in damages and destruction will be met with a stronger government response,” Marcos said in a video statement.

He emphasized that the government is focused on delivering immediate assistance, with agencies working closely with local government units (LGUs) to ensure the safety of evacuees.

Currently, more than 45,000 residents have been evacuated from the six-kilometer danger zone, with a target of relocating a total of 84,000 individuals.

Marcos assured that the Department of Social Welfare and Development is providing ample family food packs, non-food items, clean water, and hygiene kits for those in evacuation centers. He also directed the Department of Budget and Management to release necessary funds for relief efforts.

He noted that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) had prepared for a worst-case scenario even before the volcano erupted on Monday. He placed all units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Fire Protection in Negros Island on high alert.

The Department of Health (DOH) is ready to provide medical services, with additional medicines from Metro Manila on standby for airlift if needed. “Patuloy din nakaalerto ang DOH laban sa mga sakit dulot ng volcanic ash, habang ang NDRRMC at Task Force Kanlaon ay naghahanda sa anumang maaaring mangyari (The DOH remains on alert against diseases caused by volcanic ash, while the NDRRMC and Task Force Kanlaon prepare for any potential scenario),” Marcos said.

He stated that Task Force Kanlaon is coordinating appropriate responses based on the severity of the eruption and its impact. The DOH and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will continue issuing health warnings regarding volcanic ash exposure.

“Susuong sila sa anumang paghamon na darating (They will rise to any challenge that comes their way),” Marcos said. He emphasized the continuous monitoring and health advisories from the DOH and DENR to mitigate risks from volcanic ash. “Sa ganitong kalamidad, posibleng madapuan ng sakit dulot ng abo ng bulkan. Walang patid po ang surveillance, monitoring at paalala ng DOH at saka DENR sa mga karamdamang maaaring dumating (In this disaster, diseases from volcanic ash are a threat. The DOH and DENR are unceasing in their surveillance, monitoring, and advisories),” he added.

He concluded by highlighting the critical role of clear communication, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology providing continuous advisories in an understandable format. “Truth will save lives. Fake news will kill. Effective disaster response is anchored on reliable information,” Marcos said.