Bago: Preparations are underway in the cities of Bago and La Carlota in Negros Occidental for the decampment of their respective internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon later this week. A total of 61 displaced families in La Carlota are set to return home to Barangay Ara-al on Aug. 14, while 22 families in Bago are preparing to go home to Barangay Ilijan on Aug. 16.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Bago City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) reported it is assessing the situation of the IDPs temporarily staying at Payag sang Kapag-on Village in Barangay Napoles. ‘These assessments are essential for creating accurate recovery plans, prioritizing urgent needs, and directing resources where they are most needed,’ the report said.

Personnel of the Research and Planning Section are gathering feedback from the IDPs on the services they have received and conducting both human resource and needs analysis to identify skills, manpower, and essential needs. A damage and loss assessment aims to determine the extent of physical damage and economic impacts caused by the volcanic eruption to the displaced families.

The CDRRMO stated that efforts aim to restore damaged infrastructure such as roofing systems and the livelihoods and well-being of the 22 affected families, ensuring no one is left behind as the community rebuilds. Meanwhile, the La Carlota CDRRMC is implementing safeguards to ensure a safe and smooth transition for the returning families.

The IDPs will receive aid packages, including food boxes, galvanized steel sheets for shelter reinforcement, and cash assistance. In a meeting last week, the CDRMMC approved resolutions mandating the decampment plan, prohibiting human activity within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ), and outlining the Kanlaon Volcano eruption response and evacuation plan with integrated Covid-19 protocols. Plans to establish a permanent relocation center were also discussed.

The decampments are set after about eight months in evacuation centers following the series of explosions of Kanlaon Volcano since December last year. On July 29, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology lowered the status of Kanlaon Volcano to Alert Level 2, from Alert Level 3. The downgrading of the volcano’s alert status allows the decampment of the IDPs whose houses are located outside the four-kilometer PDZ.