THE CITY government approved an ordinance on Jan. 28, 2025, extending P3.8 million in cash assistance to local government units affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in December 2024.
“This financial aid is meant to support their respective relief and rehabilitation programs, aiming to alleviate the living conditions of the affected victims and communities,” the ordinance reads.
The amount is based on the tariff rates for financial assistance to calamity victims based on the Local Finance Committee (LFC) Resolution No. 2020-01.
The Province of Negros Oriental and Province of Negros Occidental received P1 million each, while the cities of Canlaon, La Carlota and Bago received P500,000 each.
On the other hand, the municipality of Vallehermoso, which is the only municipality declared a state of calamity received P300,000.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the status of Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3 after its explosive eruption on Dec. 9, 2024.
PHIVOLCS explained that from Alert Level 2 which is “increasing unrest”, Kanlaon’s alert status upgraded to Alert Level 3 for magmatic unrest or that magmatic eruption has begun that may escalate to explosive eruptions.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s Feb. 2, 2025, situation report revealed that a total of 12,279 families or 46,898 persons were affected. Of this number, 3,158 families, or 10,003 persons were served inside 25 evacuation centers, and 2,409 families, or 7,576 persons were served outside evacuation centers.
A total of 1,431 farmers and fisherfolk were affected, totaling P129,394,764.52 production loss.
Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, committee chair on finance, ways and means and appropriations told reporters during Tuesday’s session, that this is the first assistance the city has provided to other LGUs in fiscal year 2025.
“We don’t have to worry as we have enough funds that we can use for the Quick Response Fund,” Ortiz said.
To note, the city council approved an allocation of P212 million for the Quick Response Fund, hence deduction of the financial assistance leaves a sufficient P208 million for the city’s use, should the city wish to extend assistance to other LGUs.
