OCD: Gov’t needs P15B for effective Kanlaon response under Alert Level 4

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The Office of Civil Defense (OCD 6) has estimated that it would need a whopping P15 billion to respond effectively if the alert level for Kanlaon Volcano is raised to 4.

During a media briefing on Wednesday, January 8, 2024, Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (RIACC) Chairperson and OCD 6 Regional Director Raul Fernandez however disclosed that the estimated amount is sufficient to sustain relief operations for only 30 days.

Fernandez explained that under Alert Level 4, a 10-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) would be enforced, potentially affecting around 30,000 families or over 106,000 individuals. These figures were obtained from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The breakdown of the budget allocation includes P606,599,482 for food and non-food items, P189,428,931 for water, P507,066,638 for facilities, and P14,008,294,650 for cash assistance.

In a separate statement, Fernandez also cautioned residents within the six-kilometer extended danger zone of Mount Kanlaon against returning home prematurely.

“As much as possible, we at the Office of Civil Defense, along with other government agencies like PHIVOLCS, don’t want you to be in trouble,” Fernandez stated.

He emphasized the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity, noting that some individuals believe they understand Kanlaon’s behavior. “But then there’s always a first time,” he warned, referencing the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, which had been dormant for 600 years before erupting and causing widespread devastation. “People were saying: ‘Pinatubo hasn’t erupted.’ It did, so there’s always a first time. And if that happens with Kanlaon, we might become victims,” he cautioned.

Fernandez reassured evacuees not to overly worry about their livelihoods at this time, as government assistance is available.

Evacuees have been authorized to visit their lands and harvest produce from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, they must seek permission from authorities to monitor the number of individuals in the danger zone.

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