File photo shows Kanlaon Volcano as seen from Canlaon City (Photo from INQUIRER Visayas Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has so far extended and distributed over P37.9 million worth of aid to residents affected by the unrest of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island.
DSWD Spokesperson Irene Dumlao said P15.9 million in financial assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and over 17,000 family food packs have been distributed and delivered to affected local government units.
“Suma tutal mahigit P37.9 million worth of humanitarian assistance na po ang ating naipahatid, pero sa kasalukuyan patuloy pa rin tayong nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan para ano man pong karagdagang tulong na kakailanganin ay ating maipapahatid,” said Dumlao in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.
(In total, we have delivered more than P37.9 million worth of humanitarian assistance, but currently we are still in contact with the local governments so that we can deliver whatever additional assistance is needed.)
Dumlao said the DSWD is currently monitoring 23 affected barangays in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, that has a total of 17,279 affected families or 57,000 affected individuals.
Kanlaon Volcano is still under Alert Level 2, which signifies an increased unrest.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology previously warned that Kanlaon Volcano could potentially have its first magmatic eruption since 1902.
Phivolcs, however, said it is impossible to accurately predict when the eruption may happen.