BACOLOD City – The city government has decided to minimize spending this Christmas season to ensure sufficient resources are available to respond to potential calamities.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez emphasized the need for preparedness, noting that the city must be ready to assist both its residents and neighboring local government units in the event of emergencies, such as a Mount Kanlaon eruption.
“We have ensured that, even in December, we retain enough resources for any eventualities,” Benitez said. “That is why we are not overspending on Christmas events, considering the recent devastation caused by Typhoon Kristine.”
Assistance for Kanlaon Eruption
On Monday, Mount Kanlaon erupted, affecting several communities, including La Castellana, Negros Occidental. Bacolod’s City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), led by Maria Laarni Pornan, was dispatched to assist the affected areas.
The city government is also evaluating the possibility of providing financial assistance to La Castellana. Benitez said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, has already extended aid to the affected areas. Bacolod City will assess what additional support is required.
“We will determine if we need to donate cash. We are closely coordinating with the DSWD to fill any gaps in aid delivery,” the mayor added.
Bacolod’s evacuation centers in b arangays Taculing and Vista Alegre are on standby to accommodate evacuees should the need arise.
State of Calamity in Negros Occidental
Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson announced that the province is preparing to declare a state of calamity due to the eruption.
Mayor Benitez, on the other hand, clarified that Bacolod City, as a highly urbanized city, operates independently from the provincial government and will make a separate determination on whether a declaration is necessary.
“The city has been spared from the eruption’s effects, as the wind direction has kept the ash away from Bacolod. So far, there are no reports of the city being affected,” Benitez said./PN
