THE Department of Tourism (DOT) yesterday said all tourism activities near Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island have been suspended because of the volcano’s “explosive eruption” on Tuesday.
The eruption caused ashfalls in 18 barangays in La Carlota City, Bago City, San Carlos City, and La Castellana town, all in nearby Negros Occidental, and has affected almost 60,000 individuals, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
The DOT said among suspended activities are treks and visits to nearby destinations such as La Carlota City, Bago City, La Castellana.
The DOT also said there are no reports of stranded tourists related to the eruption.
“In coordination with local government units and tourism stakeholders, the DOT is prioritizing the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors in the affected areas. As of the issuance of this advisory there have been no reported injuries or damage to tourism-related establishments,” the DOT said.
The DOT said tourists needing assistance may contact the DOT Tourist Assistance Call Center: Hotline: 151-TOUR (151-8687); mobile: 0954-253-3215; Facebook Messenger: Department of Tourism – Philippines; email: touristassistance@tourism.gov.ph; Webchat: beta.tourism.gov.ph.
OCD-Western Visayas director Raul Fernandez said the 58,504 affected individuals are from 12 barangays in La Carlota City, three in Bago City, two in San Carlos City, and one in La Castellana town.
Fernandez said there are no reports of additional individuals displaced by the latest eruption.
Authorities evacuated thousands of residents inside the six-kilometer permanent danger zone after an explosive eruption in December last year.
“They are still outside (the danger zone). They evacuated after the December 9 (eruption). Since then, they have yet to return to their homes,” said Fernandez.
Fernandez also said the situation in Negros is back to normal, at least to that prior to the latest eruption.
“It’s considered normal because they are already used to this. They’re back to the (situation) prior to the explosion,” he said.
“What we are doing now is we are clearing ash deposits… They (residents) are back (to the situation) prior to the eruption but of course we have to clear the ashes,” he added.
Citing information from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), Fernandez said another explosive eruption is possible.
“That is why we are still under Alert Level 3,” he said.
The volcano’s status was raised to Alert Level 3 (high level of volcanic unrest), from Alert Level 2 (moderate level of volcanic unrest), following the December 9 eruption.
AID
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said over P233.45 million worth of assistance has been provided to the affected families.
DSWD data showed that of the amount, more than P131.5 million came from the DSWD, about P30.39 million from local government units, P33.45 million from non-government organizations, and P38 million from other private partners.
Social Welfare Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao, in an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, said 12,761 families or 48,850 persons are affected in 28 barangays in the Western Visayas and Central Visayas regions.
Some 6,300 families or 20,208 persons are still displaced in the two regions, including the 2,608 families (8,316 persons) who are staying in 22 evacuation centers and 3,702 families (11,892 persons) staying with relatives or friends.
Dumlao said apart from the food and on-food items, the DSWD also provides
psychosocial and mental health assistance, and alternative education for school children.
POLLS
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said contingency measures, like setting up of makeshift polling precincts, are in place in case voting in regular polling places cannot be held in areas around Kanlaon.
“It is possible that if Mount Kanlaon continues its activity, voters may not be able to cast votes in their regular polling places. And we are prepared for such a scenario,” said Comelec Chairman George Garcia.
“We cannot allow anyone to be disenfranchised just because the volcano will erupt. At all costs, we must ensure that they will be able to vote,” he added.
There are over 2 million registered voters and 747 voting centers in Negros Occidental, and about 970,000 registered voters and 551 voting centers in Negros Oriental. – With Gerard Naval
