BACOLOD City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has ordered the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) to fast-track the assistance to local government units (LGUs) affected by Mount Kanlaon’s eruption.
Benitez said he already tasked Dr. Ana Maria Laarni Pornan, DRRMO head, to coordinate with the officials of the Provincial Government to determine the immediate assistance to the affected families.
If needed, he said the City is also willing to provide cash assistance to the affected LGUs.
He added that for now, the affected residents really need more water and food supplies.
Mount Kanlaon, a stratovolcano in Negros Island, erupted anew on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, spewing an ash plume 4,000 meters high.
Thin ashfall has been reported in some barangays in La Carlota City, including Barangays Roberto Salas Benedicto, La Granja, Nagasi, Yubo, Ara-al, San Miguel and Cubay.
Tuesday’s explosion was the third eruption of the volcano. The first was recorded in June 2024, followed by another in December 2024.
Pornan earlier said that they will turn over food and non-food assistance to the province, including medicines and masks from the City Health Office.
"It's up to the Province to determine the affected areas for the distribution of the assistance," she said. (MAP)