The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is exerting all efforts to ensure the government remains proactive in addressing the Mt. Kanlaon eruption.

It has already extended more than PhP14.7 million in humanitarian assistance to affected families, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“Sa kasalukuyan po nasa mahigit PhP14.7 million worth of humanitarian assistance ang naipahatid na ng DSWD at ng mga partners po natin,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao told a news forum in Quezon City on Saturday.

Citing DSWD’s records, Dumlao said over 10,000 families – comprising more than 42,000 individuals – from 25 barangays in Western and Central Visayas have been affected. More than 4,600 families or about 15,000 individuals are currently staying in at least 28 evacuation centers.

Around 1,000 families, or more than 3,900 individuals are temporarily residing in houses of their relatives.

Dumlao said the DSWD is continuously coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to ensure timely delivery of adequate assistance for affected families, especially those staying in evacuation centers.

“Tinitiyak din po ng DSWD [ang efforts to address] the need also for camp coordination and camp management. We need the protection of internally displaced persons. [Dapat] may safe spaces for women and children sa lahat ng mga evacuation centers,” she said.

The DSWD is working to ensure the availability of potable water, sanitation, and health facilities, and meet the requirements of vulnerable sectors, including the elderly, and persons with special needs.

Dumlao highlighted DSWD’s psychosocial first aid given to those experiencing anxiety or trauma due to the Kanlaon eruption |PND