National Task Force Kanlaon created to streamline gov’t response

 (MARVIN ESCANDER/CONTRIBUTOR)

MANILA, Philippines – The National Task Force Kanlaon was formed upon the order of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to streamline the government’s response to disruptions and damage caused by the restive volcano.

The task force was created by Administrative Order No. 32, published in the Official Gazette on Friday, and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, which means that it is still under high level of volcanic unrest, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Kanlaon Volcano erupted last year, prompting Phivolcs to raise the alert level to three.

“The Task Force shall have the primary duty of overseeing and coordinating all government programs, activities and projects to reduce the impact of Mt. Kanlaon’s volcanic activities and further accelerate the recovery, redevelopment and resilience building of affected communities,” the order dated April 24, 2025 stated.

The task force is chaired by the Department of National Defense.

Task force members include the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Health.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), meanwhile, serves as the task force’s secretariat.