The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Region VII – Central Visayas has deployed the second batch of its Quick Response Team for the 2nd tour of operations in Canlaon City from January 11-18, 2025.

The second batch of QRT deployed is composed of 68 personnel from the DSWD Field Office 7 and Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) in Negros Island Region (NIR) led by its Action Officer Margie Pinton together with the Assistant Action Officer from the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) Hillton John Edrial.

According to Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero, CESO III, DSWD 7’s operations in Canlaon City will continue as long as necessary, as the ongoing unrest at Mt. Kanlaon still puts residents at risk.

“The department’s response operation will continue, especially with the persistent activity of Mt. Kanlaon. It is important to note that the volcano can erupt anytime, and lives will be affected. Our role is to ensure that these affected families are sheltered and well taken care of through DSWD’s services,” RD Lucero shared.

Moreover, DSWD 7 has collaborated closely with the PLGU and Canlaon City LGU to provide essential services for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), particularly in camp management and coordination.

“This collaboration efforts of DSWD 7, the PLGU, and the Canlaon City LGU, our disaster response will be more effective. By working hand in hand to deliver the necessary services within the camps, we will ensure a more convenient stay for IDPs in the evacuation centers,” DSWD Disaster Response and Management Division (DRMD) Chief Lilibeth Cabiara explained.

To recall, DSWD 7 deployed four teams on its first tour of duty in Canlaon City following Mt. Kanlaon’s eruption on December 9, 2024, which concluded on January 5, 2025.

Meanwhile, the second tour of duty started on January 4 -11, 2025, with QRT 1.

Further, the DSWD 7 Quick Response Team 2 performs its second tour of duty with the PSWDO staff as part of the joint operations of the department and the LGU.

As of January 11, 2025, Mt. Kanlaon remains on Alert Level 3. ###

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