President Marcos Jr. on Friday assured the public that the government will step up its response to help individuals affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon.
“We will step up. We will level up. Any escalation in damages and destruction will be met with a stronger government response,” Marcos said in a video message.
The President said the government is focused on providing immediate assistance, adding that concerned agencies are closely coordinating with the local government units to ensure the safety of displaced individuals.
Over 45,000 residents have been evacuated from the six-kilometer radius danger zone, mostly from neighboring Negros Occidental towns.
Marcos said the target is to evacuate a total of 84,000.
The Department of Social Welfare & Development is making sure there are enough family food packs, non-food items, clean water, and hygiene kits for the affected individuals staying in evacuation centers, Marcos assured.
He also directed the Department of Budget & Management to release funds for the victims.
Marcos said the National Disaster Risk-Reduction & Management Council has prepared to respond to a worst-case scenario, even before the Volcano erupted on Monday.
He also placed all units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Fire Protection in Negros Island on high alert.
He said the Department of Health is also ready to provide services, adding that additional medicines from Metro Manila would be airlifted, if necessary.
“Patuloy din nakaalerto ang DOH laban sa mga sakit dulot ng volcanic ash, habang ang NDRRMC at Task Force Kanlaon ay naghahanda sa anumang maaaring mangyari,” Marcos said. (The DOH also continues to be on alert against diseases caused by volcanic ash, while the NDRRMC and Task Force Kanlaon are preparing for any eventuality.)
He said Task Force Kanlaon is coordinating the right response based on the strength of the volcanic eruption and the damage it may cause.
He said the DOH and the Department of Environment & Natural Resources would continue giving warnings about the health impacts of the volcanic eruption.
“Susuong sila sa anumang paghamon na darating,” he added. (They will rise to any challenge that comes their way.)
“Sa ganitong kalamidad, posibleng madapuan ng sakit dulot ng abo ng bulkan. Walang patid po ang surveillance, monitoring at paalala ng DOH at saka DENR sa mga karamdamang maaaring dumating,” the President said. (In this kind of disaster, it is possible to encounter diseases caused by volcanic ash. The DOH and the DENR are continuously monitoring and issuing warnings about the possible diseases.)
He said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology & Seismology would continue to issue round-the-clock advisories “in a language that is clearly understood” by the public.
“Truth will save lives. Fake news will kill. Effective disaster response is anchored on reliable information,” the President said. (PNA)
_______________________
Photo Caption: Kanlaon Volcano as of 9:23 am on Dec. 12. (LDRRMD Mobile Command Center photo)
