By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez announced Tuesday that the city government is prepared to extend necessary assistance to areas in Negros Occidental affected by the Kanlaon Volcano eruption.
“We make sure, even if it’s December, we have enough resources for any eventualities,” Benitez said, emphasizing that Bacolod has prepared evacuation centers and provided necessities, including transportation assistance for evacuees.
The mayor is awaiting updates from La Castellana town regarding the number of evacuees. He added that Bacolod has two evacuation centers ready for a worst-case scenario.
When asked about monetary aid, Benitez said the city would evaluate the situation before deciding on additional support.
“We will see. We will definitely fill the gap if it’s necessary,” he said.
The mayor highlighted the city’s prudent spending this holiday season to allocate resources for calamities, including typhoon response.
Bacolod City has been spared from the eruption’s impact due to favorable wind directions, but Benitez assured residents that sufficient logistics and supplies are in place in case the situation worsens.
“We have experienced a lot of calamities lately. These past few years, we’ve seen stronger typhoons, more rains, and now a volcano eruption. We have to be more resilient,” he added.
The city has dispatched a team from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), led by Dr. Anna Maria Laarni Pornan, to assist in affected areas.
Ashfall Affects Thousands
The Kanlaon eruption on Dec. 9 affected several municipalities and cities, including Bago City, La Castellana, La Carlota City, and Moises Padilla, with ashfall and a sulfuric stench disrupting daily activities.
In Bago City, 398 families, or 1,580 individuals, were affected across 24 barangays. Barangay Ilijan logged the highest number of evacuees with 269 families, followed by Barangays Mailum, Binubuhan, and Ma-ao.
Roads and bridges remain passable but are covered with ash, making them slippery. Flushing operations in public areas such as thoroughfares, city halls, and markets are ongoing. Power interruptions were reported in Barangays Ilijan and Mailum.
Classes in all levels, both public and private, in Bago City have been suspended until Dec. 13, with resumption scheduled for Dec. 16.
Overpriced Masks Addressed
Officials have appealed to the public to comply with the suggested retail price (SRP) of face masks amid reports of overpricing due to high demand.
Fifth District Rep. Emilio Yulo III urged the business sector to avoid exploiting the situation, pledging to escalate the issue to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for market price monitoring.
“We should help each other in times of calamity,” Yulo said.
Bago City Acting Mayor Ramon Torres advised residents to remain alert and avoid panic buying. Similarly, Moises Padilla Vice Mayor Ian Villaflor called on businesses not to hoard or increase mask prices, appealing for compassion toward affected residents.
Army Responds to Crisis
The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), through its Disaster Response Task Units (DRTUs), has deployed personnel and equipment to evacuation centers in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, and La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
“Our teams are equipped to handle rescue operations, evacuation, and provide essential services and supplies,” said Major General Marion Sison, 3ID commander.
Disaster response teams from other units, including the 79th, 94th Infantry Battalions (IBs), and 542nd Engineer Construction Battalion, remain on alert and ready for deployment to affected areas, including La Carlota City.
The Army is coordinating closely with local government units (LGUs), the Philippine National Police, and other agencies to ensure a unified response.
“We are committed and prepared to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations to ensure the safety and protection of the residents in affected communities,” Sison said, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow local authorities’ guidance.
