As dark clouds billow from the majestic peak of Mt. Kanlaon, residents of this city grapple with fear and uncertainty. The Mt. Kanlaon volcano eruption on December 9, 2024, forced families to leave their homes. In the eye of this calamity, valiant and dedicated social workers of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 7, whose unyielding commitment brings hope and relief to those affected.

While people were busy for Christmas, the Quick Response (QRT) team of DSWD 7 in Canlaon City, on the other hand, ensured the implementation of disaster response activities at the evacuation centers set up to accommodate displaced families. With the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, the call for assistance echoed through the community. DSWD 7 workers came to the area armed with supplies, compassion, and resilience.

 Frontline Humanitarian Efforts

Social workers like Margie Fabillar, who has dedicated herself to serving marginalized communities, are involved in these operations. Together with other determined DSWD 7 angels in red vests, they are in Canlaon to ensure these families receive the support they need during this trying time, even if they are away from their families.

Fabillar said in dialect:  “We felt mixed emotions when deployed here in Canlaon to assist the local government unit takes care of the internally displaced persons (IDPs). Even if we are not with our families during Christmas, we are happy being here because we have served the displaced families who need help. We hope we have encouraged them through the psychosocial activities we have conducted with them.”

The Mobile Command Center (MCC) keeps disaster operations going smoothly. It is a customized vehicle equipped with information and communications technology equipment, which helps bridge the communication gap during disasters/emergencies, keeping decision-makers informed. This information shall aid in strategic planning during disaster response operations.

According to Disaster Response Management Division Chief Lilibeth Cabiara, the MCC serves as the station hub of DSWD, providing linkage through its ICT in the disaster-stricken area to the Regional Operations Center (ROC), DRCC, or RDRRMC during disaster response operations and manned by the deployment team. She said MCC ensures continuous, effective, reliable, and timely emergency telecommunications support on disaster reports and relief inventory information.

“My task is to provide technical support and maintain the network connection of the Quick Response Team, which is crucial for communication with other agencies and for our data managers to submit their reports quickly and efficiently,” said the determined information technology office Jecel Cataytay.

Cataytay is one of the IT officers deployed in Canlaon City to ensure that the disaster operations technology infrastructure of the DSWD 7 operates smoothly and efficiently.

The DSWD team worked tirelessly to distribute food packs, hygiene kits, and essential supplies. They helped the LGU set up community kitchens that provided warm meals, a crucial comfort for families who fled their homes. “Food is not just sustenance; it is a way to bring people together,” DSWD 7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero shared, highlighting the importance of communal meals in bolstering morale among evacuees.

Creating Safe Spaces

In addition to providing physical necessities, DSWD 7 QRT understood the immense psychological toll that such a crisis could impose. They conducted psychosocial sessions with the internally displaced persons (IDP) within the evacuation centers, where trained personnel offered emotional support.

“We want to create a safe space for everyone, even during displacement,” said Grace Yana, the focal person for Camp Coordination and Camp Management and IDP Protection Cluster of DSWD 7.

“These families have experienced erratic situations due to the unpredictable condition of Mt. Kanlaon. Listening to and helping them process their feelings is vital for their recovery,” she added. Children, in particular, faced unique challenges in the evacuation centers.

To tackle the uncertainties plaguing young minds, DSWD 7, in collaboration with LGU Canlaon, set up Child-Friendly Spaces and facilitated and organized playful activities and storytelling sessions to inject a sense of normalcy into their lives.

Building Community Resilience

The relief operations in Canlaon are not merely about immediate aid; they aim to foster resilience.

DSWD 7 plans to conduct more workshops on family rights and disaster preparedness, empowering community members to better prepare for future emergencies.

“This is not just about relief; it is about shaping a stronger community together,” said Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, emphasizing the commitment of DSWD to long-term recovery strategies.

A Call to Action

As the operation unfolds, the social workers of DSWD 7 continue to inspire stories of hope amidst adversity. Their selfless dedication reminds the importance of solidarity in the face of natural disasters. Each food pack distributed and each smile elicited is a testament to their unwavering spirit.

On the one hand, the rumbling of Mt. Kanlaon reminds us of nature’s power, but on the other hand, the response of the human spirit is even more profound. The QRT members of DSWD 7 stand as pillars of strength and resilience, illuminating the path toward recovery and reaffirming the belief that together, communities can withstand even the fiercest storms. ###