President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured on Friday all concerned agencies are ready and prepared to help the people in Negros Island displaced by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon.
In a message, President Marcos said the government will “level up” its response to the disaster.
Ensuring the safety of the people is the top priority, the President said.
“We will step up. We will level up. Any escalation in damages and destruction will be met with a stronger government response,” he said.
“Sa mga kababayan nating apektado ng pagputok ng Kanlaon, nandito po ang inyong pamahalaan na handang tumulong sa inyo. Kung gaano man katindi ang bangis ng bulkang ito, ganun din ang kalinga na aming ipapaabot,” he added.
The President said the national government is closely coordinating with local government units for assistance and disaster response.
According to him, at least 45,000 residents were evacuated from the six-kilometer radius danger zone. The government is targeting to evacuate around 84,000 individuals.
“Tinitiyak ng DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) ang sapat na family food packs, non-food items, malinis na tubig, at hygiene kits para sa mga evacuation centers,” he said.
The President ordered the Department of Budget and Management to release appropriate funds for the affected families.
“Patuloy ding nakaalerto ang DOH (Department of Health) laban sa mga sakit dulot ng volcanic ash, habang ang NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) at Task Force Kanlaon ay naghahanda sa anumang maaaring mangyari,” he said.
He said the DOH is ready to airlift additional medicines when needed.
The President stressed the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection in Negros were placed on high alert.
“Susuong sila sa anumang paghamon na darating. Bago pa man sumabog ang bulkan ay pinaghandaan na ng ating NDRRMC at Office of Civil Defense ang pagtugon sa maaaring worst-case scenario,” he said.
President Marcos also said Task Force Kanlaon would guide the public on disaster response in case the volcano’s eruption worsens.
He stressed the importance of proper communication amid Kanlaon’s restiveness.
“Malaki ang papel ng komunikasyon sa mga araw na ito. Truth will save lives. Fake news kills. Effective disaster response is anchored on reliable information,” he said.
The President said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology will continue to issue round the clock advisories “in language clearly understood.”
“Nakikiusap ako sa lahat, lalo na sa ayaw lumikas, na sumunod sa babala ng mga awtoridad. Mas mahalaga ang buhay kaysa ari-arian,” he added. |PND
