The recent eruption of Mount Kanlaon has exposed critical gaps in our disaster response system that demand immediate attention and action from all sectors of society.
The displacement of more than 14,000 people so far across six localities in Negros Occidental represents not just a number, but thousands of families facing an uncertain holiday season in evacuation centers.
The transition to the newly created Negros Island Region (NIR) has unfortunately complicated relief efforts, with the Department of Health-NIR struggling with staffing shortages and lacking essential warehousing facilities for emergency supplies.
Basic necessities like tents, drinking water, and face masks remain in short supply at evacuation centers, particularly in La Castellana, where more than 8,000 evacuees are scattered across multiple locations.
The apparent “donor fatigue” following June’s eruption has left local governments stretching their already depleted resources to meet the mounting needs of evacuees.
This crisis calls for a coordinated response that transcends administrative boundaries and bureaucratic transitions.
The national government must expedite the NIR transition process and ensure emergency response capabilities are not compromised during administrative reorganizations.
Local government units need immediate financial support to prevent the complete depletion of their calamity funds, especially with the possibility of the crisis extending beyond Christmas.
Private citizens, businesses, and organizations must recognize that their support is not just helpful but essential in filling the gaps in government assistance.
The initiative shown by institutions like Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, through their CHMSUyanihan campaign, demonstrates how local organizations can mobilize resources effectively.
We cannot afford to wait for perfect systems to be in place while thousands of our fellow citizens struggle in evacuation centers.
Every donation, whether it’s bottled water, face masks, or cash contributions, helps create a buffer against the mounting challenges faced by evacuation center managers.
The extension of the permanent danger zone to six kilometers and the potential evacuation of an additional 40,000 residents underscore the urgency of building a more robust support system.
The time for action is now – before the ash settles and public attention shifts elsewhere.
This crisis presents an opportunity to demonstrate that the Bayanihan spirit remains alive and strong in our communities.
Let this be a moment where we prove that administrative transitions and donor fatigue are no match for our collective will to help those in need.
