The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7—Central Visayas has extended assistance to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Canlaon in response to the urgent needs of the families affected by the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Oriental.

To address the needs of over 1,000 Internally Displaced Families (IDFs) residing in different evacuation camps, DSWD-7 has distributed food and non-food items. It includes the provision of family food packs (FFPs) containing essential supplies like rice, canned goods, coffee, and energy drinks.

As of December 18, 2024, the Department has distributed 7,370 family food packs valued at Php 4,509,236.00, ensuring that each family received five packs sufficient to feed a family of five for twenty days for breakfast.

In addition to food assistance, IDFs have received non-food items such as hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and family clothing kits. The hygiene kits include toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, sanitary napkins, laundry soap, hair combs, shavers, water dippers, nail cutters, and pails. The sleeping kits consist of blankets, mosquito nets, plastic mats, malongs, and pillows, while the family clothing kits provide bath towels, t-shirts, shorts, bras, slippers, and underwear for adults and children.

To facilitate timely and coordinated humanitarian efforts, DSWD-7 has deployed personnel to assist LGU Canlaon camp personnel in providing support and ensuring the safe distribution of essential aid to IDFs. These personnel also play a critical role in safeguarding IDFs against any potential abuses, violence, or exploitation while they reside in evacuation camps and coordinating various camp needs of IDFs.

As of December 18, 2024, nine evacuation camps have been established across Canlaon City, providing temporary shelter to the displaced families. These facilities include Camp 1 at Macario Española Memorial School, Camp 2 at Jose B. Cardenas Memorial High School – Uptown Campus, Camp 3 at Jose B. Cardenas Memorial High School – Main Campus, Camp 4 at Canlaon City Sports and Cultural Center, Camp 5 at Panubigan Elementary School, Camp 6 at Binalbagan Elementary School, Camp 7 at Bayog Elementary School, Camp 8 at St. Joseph College of Canlaon City, Inc., and Camp 9 at Linothangan Elementary School.

In addition to these camps, some families have sought refuge in local churches, such as the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and others have stayed with relatives.

The DSWD remains dedicated to ensuring the welfare of those displaced by the disaster and constantly coordinating efforts to provide ongoing resources and support to those in need. ###

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