By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Moises Padilla Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo confirmed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Guihulngan City to designate the latter as an evacuation site in the event of a Kanlaon volcano eruption.
Garcia-Yulo told the Daily Guardian on Monday that approximately 40,000 residents, or the entire population of Moises Padilla, may need to evacuate in a worst-case scenario.
She explained that the projection was based on assessments by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). In preparation, the local government unit (LGU) is taking proactive steps to avoid being caught off guard.
The MOA was signed by Garcia-Yulo and Guihulngan City Mayor Filomeno “Makoy” Reyes. The agreement ensures Guihulngan will serve as a safe haven for Moises Padilla residents during a volcanic emergency.
Garcia-Yulo expressed gratitude to Mayor Reyes for supporting the initiative, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to guarantee the safety and well-being of residents during unforeseen calamities.
As part of the preparations, Moises Padilla has acquired a water filtration truck to be deployed at the Guihulngan evacuation center.
Additionally, the LGU has started stockpiling fuel for evacuation vehicles and has purchased sacks of rice to provide food for evacuees.
Garcia-Yulo noted that the OCD and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have assured additional support to address any gaps in resources.
According to OCD data, Moises Padilla is among the areas likely to be affected by pyroclastic flows if Kanlaon volcano erupts. The town is located 28.2 kilometers from the volcano.
The mayor also convened a meeting with village chiefs to plan evacuation logistics. She said some residents may choose to move in with relatives in other LGUs within the province.
Earlier, OCD Region 6 Director Raul Fernandez reported that Kanlaon volcano has shown signs similar to those observed before its December 9, 2024, eruption.
While no specific timeline can be predicted, Fernandez warned, “It is just a matter of time.”
