Screengrab from a video taken a day after the explosive eruption of Mt Kanlaon on June 4, 2024.  Courtesy of Ethan Asentista-Khoo

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered the creation of a task force that will oversee programs “to reduce the impact of Mt. Kanlaon's volcanic activities and further accelerate the recovery, redevelopment and resilience-building of affected communities.”

Administrative Order No. 32, signed by the President on April 24, 2025, designates the defense department to head the  National Task Force Kanlaon. 

Other members of the task force will include the following. 

• 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 the Interior and Local Government 
• Department of Health
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Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) shall serve as Secretariat of the Task Force, and shall be tasked to provide the necessary technical, administrative and operational support to the Task Force.

The order also tasks the NDRRMC, in coordination with NEDA and other concerned government agencies and stakeholders,to formulate the Kanlaon Recovery and Development Plan, which shall serve as the strategic framework for the recovery and development of communities affected by Mt. Kanlaon's volcanic activities. 

The Kanlaon Recovery Development Plan shall contain short-term and long-term strategies and concrete action plans on housing and resettlement, infrastructure, social welfare, livelihood and business development, governance.

Earlier this month, Kanlao sent a plume of ash 4,000 meters into the sky, prompting the evacuation of surrounding villages.

Kanlaon is one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines. 

Kanlaon volcano erupts, spews ash, steam
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