2 lots in NegOcc town eyed as Kanlaon evacuees’ relocation sites

Mt. Kanlaon. Photo from PHIVOLCS.
BACOLOD CITY — Two properties in La Castellana, Negros Occidental are being considered as permanent relocation sites for residents displaced by the unrest of Mt. Kanlaon.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said negotiations are underway with the property owners to begin the government’s acquisition process.
“Right now, there are already two owners whose properties passed the grade, so to speak,” he said in an interview on June 12.
“We are now negotiating with them,” he added.
The provincial government earlier allocated funds to help the La Castellana municipal government acquire a relocation site, but the proposed area was not approved.
Lacson said internally displaced residents may leave evacuation centers if they choose to stay with relatives outside Mt. Kanlaon’s six-kilometer extended danger zone.
“Those whose houses are located next to roads may be the next group to be allowed to go home,” he said.
Lacson said efforts are underway to clear schools being used as evacuation centers to allow the resumption of regular classes.
Displaced residents have been staying in these schools for about six months.
READ: Kanlaon evacuees staying in Negros schools sent home, relocated
More than 1,300 residents from La Carlota City and La Castellana began leaving evacuation centers on June 13, about six months after they were displaced by Mt. Kanlaon’s eruption on Dec. 9.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has ordered the clearing of 11 schools in La Carlota, La Castellana, and Canlaon City ahead of the resumption of in-person classes for school year 2025–2026.
Four of the schools are in La Castellana, and two are in La Carlota City. The remaining are in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.
During the 127th Independence Day celebration at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on Thursday, June 12, Lacson hailed the frontliners who have assisted those affected by Mt. Kanlaon’s eruptions and ongoing unrest as modern-day heroes.
“The eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, which started a year ago, once again reminded us of the strength of our people — our first responders, our healthcare workers, our volunteers, our public servants — ordinary citizens rising to extraordinary challenges,” he said.
“Every year, we gather to honor the extraordinary sacrifices of those who came before us: our fellow Filipinos who dared to dream of a nation free from foreign rule, those who gave up comfort, safety, and even life itself so that we may live in liberty,” he added./mcm