President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Administrative Order No. 32 creating the National Task Force Kanlaon to tackle volcanic threats and safeguard communities in the Negros Island Region.

President Marcos signed the order on April 24, following a situation briefing in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.

President Marcos had stressed the importance of stronger coordination among government agencies to ensure a more effective, efficient and strategic response to natural disasters.

The Task Force Kanlaon was formed in response to the increasing volcanic activity at Mt. Kanlaon. On Dec. 9, 2024, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert level to 3.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported the eruption has affected about 12,360 families, or more than 48,500 people. It has also caused PhP129 million in damage to agriculture.

President Marcos called for a “coordinated government approach” to reduce the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the eruption.

The task force will lead the planning and implementation of recovery, rehabilitation, and resettlement programs.

It will be chaired by the Department of National Defense (DND). Other members include the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other concerned agencies.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will serve as the secretariat and provide support to the task force.

The creation of Task Force Kanlaon is a move that reflects the government’s commitment to the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA No. 10121).

It also upholds the Mt. Kanlaon National Park Act of 2001 (RA No. 9154), which protects the Mt. Kanlaon ecosystem and nearby communities. | PND