P5-million cash aid given to families displaced by Mt. Kanlaon eruption

Local

FAMILIES displaced by the restive Mt. Kanlaon have received a total of P5.1 million in cash relief assistance.

Shalaine Marie Lucero, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Central Visayas (DSWD-7 ), said 1,729 internally displaced families (IDFs) were affected by the Mt. Kanlaon eruption.

The identified beneficiaries from Canlaon City, Negros Oriental province were given relief aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

The social welfare official said each family received cash assistance of P3,000, an amount that is part of the agency’s heightened response to the families affected by the volcano’s eruption.

“We want to reassure all the IDFs, currently taking shelter in the different evacuation centers, that the DSWD and the city government of Canlaon are with you during these trying times,” she said.

Lucero added that the department is committed to going above and beyond the commitment of “ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Fernando Bestoir, 62, one of the evacuees at the Macario Elementary Memorial School, said he will use the cash assistance for the holidays.

“Ang gamiton namo sa among nadawat na kwarta kay para ipalit namo sa amo tambal kay ako giubo ko karon. Ipalit pud namo amo makaon para pag-uli namo... So amo ni bang sa amo pamilya pang handa namo ug para makatigom mi," he said.

Other evacuees expressed similar gratitude, acknowledging the relief as a much-needed lifeline amid their challenging situation.

Many families have begun preparing simple holiday meals and decorations in their temporary shelters, demonstrating their determination to maintain the spirit of Christmas despite adversity.

Lucero said that the financial assistance underscores the agency’s intention to go beyond its standard response during crises. The funds were distributed as part of the DSWD’s goal to extend additional support to affected communities during the festive season.

Lucero added that the agency's objective is to ensure that no family feels left behind, particularly during the holidays.

She highlighted that, despite the significant challenges brought by the eruption, the department is focused on helping families recover and find some joy during this time of year.

Mt. Kanlaon erupted on December 9, spewing a plume of volcanic gases and ash that rose to approximately 4,000 meters above the summit.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert level from 2 to 3 following the eruption, indicating a significant increase in volcanic unrest and the potential for more explosive activity.(MyTVCebu)