MANILA (UPDATED) — Over 12,000 families or 48,000 individuals have so far been affected by the eruption of Mount Kanlaon on Tuesday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said on Wednesday. 

It also called for more volunteers at its hub in Pasay to help prepare family food packs for distribution to more than 2,600 families or 8,300 individuals, still in evacuation centers in Negros Occidental and in Canlaon City and others affected by the eruption.

Social Welfare Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the figures are sourced from 28 barangays affected in various areas. 

“Mula noong pumutok ang Mount Kanlaon, nagpo-provide na ng tulong ang ating ahensya, hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng food and non-food items pero ganun din ang financial assistance. Mayroon na tayong naipamahagi na mahigit P131 million na humanitarian assistance, food and non-food items,” said Dumlao in a briefing aired on state-run PTV. 

(Since the eruptiom, our agencies have been providing assistance, not just through food and non-food items, but also through financial assistance. We have distributed more than P131 million in humanitarian assistance and food and non-food items)

SAFE SPACES, PSYCHOSOCIAL ASSISTANCE AT EVACUATION CENTERS

Dumlao said the DSWD will look after the welfare of vulnerable sectors at the evacuation centers, including ensuring safe spaces for women and providing elderly and PWD evacuees "appropriate" assistance.

“'Yung pangangailangan na pyschosocial first aid ay ating ibabahagi lalong-lalo na doon sa mga bata, sa educational activities that have been disrupted as a result of the [eruption],” she also said.

(We will provide the necessary psychological first aid, especially to children... as well as educational activities that have been disrupted by the eruption)

The official said they are coordinating with local government units to evacuate residents staying in danger zones, adding there are around 3,700 families that have evacuated and are staying at relatives' homes for now.

“Kung ano ang ibinabahagi natin na tulong doon sa mga evacuation centers ay siya ring mga tulong na ibinabahagi natin sa kanila,” said the official. 

(Those staying with relatives will receive the same assistance as those at the evacuation centers)

She added DSWD is prepared to send more family food packs to local government units if needed.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Meanwhile, DSWD said in a statement that it needed more volunteers for its National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB) around Chapel Road, Brgy. 195, Pasay City.

Volunteers, DSWD said, would help produce  boxes of family food packs for those affected by the eruption.

“Please wear closed shoes and comfortable clothing, preferably pants. Don’t forget to bring your own food and tumbler,” the advisory read.

Those who want to volunteer may reach out through the DSWD Facebook page for more details.

The Philippine National Police, meanwhile, said it is coordinating with LGUs and disaster response agencies in the pre-emptive evacuation of residents from affected areas.

A total of 366 personnel have been deployed to assist with the evacuation process, with 90 officers stationed at various evacuation centers. These centers have been set up in the municipalities of La Castellana, La Carlota, Bago, and Canlaon City, providing shelter to 9,275 evacuees, according to the PNP.

"The safety of our citizens is our utmost priority. We are working closely with local government units and relevant agencies to ensure that evacuation efforts are carried out smoothly and efficiently. I urge everyone in affected areas to cooperate with authorities and stay alert for updates," said Chief PNP Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil.

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