President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured all the residents affected by the Kanlaon Volcano eruption of the government’s continued support as he enforced a whole-of-government approach to ensure the welfare of the public and the immediate provision of assistance.
In a video message, President Marcos said that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are on top of the situation.
“Patuloy ang ating mga ahensya tulad ng PHIVOLCS, NDRRMC, at ang DSWD sa kanilang masusing pagsusubaybay at pagbibigay ng suporta,” President Marcos said, a few hours after PHIVOLCS raised Alert Level 2 after an explosive eruption was recorded Monday evening.
The President said that the alert level alarm was raised to Alert Level 2 to ensure the safety of the residents. Currently, there are around 170 families, or 796 individuals affected by the volcano eruption, according to President Marcos.
“Agad naman natin sila inilikas sa mga evacuation center,” he said.
He added that the government has already provided necessary assistance to the affected residents.
“Namigay na tayo ng mga sleeping kits sa La Castellana at may 13,000 family food packs na ang naka-preposition sa Negros Island at may karagdagang 40,000 food packs at iba pang non-food items na paparating,” he said.
“Naka-standby din ang ating mga air asset para mas mabilis na pag-responde Tinitiyak ko na ang ating pamahalaan ay handa at patuloy na nagbibigay ng suporta hanggang makabalik nang ligtas ang lahat sa kanilang mga tahanan,” he added.
Before concluding his message, President Marcos called on the residents, especially to those who are close to the affected area to remain vigilant and refrain from staying at the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone.
He also urged them to always follow the guidelines and the reminders set by the local authorities.|PND