By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said local government units affected by the Dec. 9, 2024, eruption of Kanlaon Volcano are running low on funds, especially for sustaining the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
“We just made it very clear to the president that the local government units are facing difficulties in funding sources,” Lacson told reporters in a press briefing Monday.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the province Friday and met with IDPs housed at La Carlota City South Elementary School II. He also met with Lacson, Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, and mayors of the LGUs affected by the eruption.
Lacson cited the case of Mayon Volcano, where it took LGUs six months to sustain IDPs.
“So definitely, we cannot afford that,” he added.
He said the president is aware of the situation, and there is a possibility that more funds will be allocated to Negros Occidental to address the crisis.
Lacson said that, as far as assistance for IDPs is concerned, Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco suggested including them in the distribution of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis program.
Lacson added that Marcos proposed strengthening the Kanlaon Task Force.
“He mentioned that we could meet again and discuss the details,” Lacson said.
The governor noted that the provincial government has already spent about PHP40 million on feeding evacuees.
“If I am not mistaken, we are hitting PHP40 million already in our budget since December. You must remember, this is our second month already of feeding the evacuees,” he said.
Lacson confirmed that he received the Deed of Donation from Malacañang last week for PHP50 million in assistance to help the province manage the crisis.
“The next time the province feeds the evacuees, we will be tapping into the PHP50 million,” Lacson said.
He added that the amount could last for two months unless the alert status of Kanlaon Volcano is raised to Alert Level 4.
Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan of La Castellana also confirmed to the Daily Guardian that the local government is running low on funds to sustain the needs of IDPs.
During his visit Friday, Marcos assured IDPs of continued national government support.
“Rest assured, we are keeping a close watch, hoping that the pressure will be released without a major eruption. But at the same time, we are preparing in case an eruption does occur, ensuring that you are safe from harm,” he said.
He acknowledged the hardships of staying in evacuation centers.
“We understand that staying in evacuation centers is difficult. Even if we provide relief goods, eating the same food every day for a month becomes tiring. Even if we gave you steak every day, you would still get sick of it,” he said.
“That is why we, together with local governments at both the provincial and municipal levels, are doing everything possible to make your stay in the evacuation centers more comfortable,” he added.
Marcos also urged residents to remain patient and hopeful.
“We must be patient, but our priority is to make sure that no one gets hurt and that there are no casualties. That is why we are doing everything we can. You can count on us—our assistance will not stop until you no longer need it. As long as you need us, we will be here,” he said.
