President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured communities affected by the Kanlaon eruption that the government, in coordination with various local government units (LGUs) and agencies, is fully prepared to provide assistance.
In a video statement on Friday, Marcos emphasized that regardless of the intensity of Mount Kanlaon's eruption, the government is present and ready to support all those affected.
"Nakatutok ang pamahalaan sa pag-agapay sa epekto ng pagsabog ng bulkang Kanlaon," Marcos stated.
"Masusing nakikipag-ugnayan ang mga ahensya at LGU upang tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng lahat," he added.
The President disclosed that 45,000 residents have already been evacuated from the 6-kilometer danger zone, with a target to evacuate a total of 84,000 individuals.
Citing the steadfast efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Marcos assured that sufficient family food packs, non-food items, clean water, and hygiene kits are available for evacuation centers.
He also directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release funds for those affected by the disaster. Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) remains vigilant against illnesses caused by volcanic ash, and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), along with Task Force Kanlaon, is preparing for any further developments.
"Sa ganitong kalamidad, posibleng madapuan ng sakit ng dulot ng abo ng bulkan, walang patid po ang surveillance, monitoring, at paalala ng DOH at tyaka DENR sa mga karamdamang maaaring dumating," said Marcos.
He noted that even before the eruption, the NDRRMC and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) had already been preparing to respond to a potential "worst-case scenario."
All units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) across Negros Island, where Kanlaon is located, have been placed on high alert.
"We will step up. We will level up any escalation and damages and destruction will be met with a stronger government response," said Marcos.
Marcos highlighted the importance of communication during such times, stating that "truth saves lives; fake news kills." He stressed that disaster response relies on accurate and reliable information, adding that PHIVOLCS will continue issuing round-the-clock advisories in a language easily understood by everyone.
He appealed to the public, especially those who have yet to evacuate, to heed the authorities' warnings, emphasizing that life is more important than any property.
Task Force Kanlaon is now on standby to coordinate an appropriate response based on the severity of the volcanic eruption and its resulting damage.
