Bago city: Volunteers from the city government and other government agencies joined hands to help rebuild the homes of 22 families displaced by the unrest of Kanlaon Volcano in Bago City, Negros Occidental. Composed of 81 internally displaced individuals (IDPs), the families evacuated their homes in Purok Manokan, Barangay Ilijan after Alert Level 3 was hoisted during the explosive eruption on Dec. 9 last year. On July 29, when the volcano’s status was lowered to Level 2, they were allowed to finally return home.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative, dubbed ‘Bayanihan sa Bago’ (Cooperation in Bago), was a testament to the collective effort that blessed the community. Mayor Marina Javellana-Yao expressed her gratitude in a Facebook post, highlighting the unity and strength experienced during the rebuilding process. The mayor actively participated in the volunteer work, including helping 92-year-old Nanay Bukay return home after an hour-long walk to Purok Manokan.

In a statement, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) emphasized that the ‘Bayanihan kag Pagbangon: Rebuild and Adopt a Home’ initiative aims not only to rebuild houses, but also restore hope and dignity among the displaced families. CDRRMO head, Dr. Merijene Ortizo, noted that two weeks of preparation brought together national and local agencies, volunteers, and city and barangay officials.

The displaced families have been residing at the city’s new relocation site, ‘Payag sang Kapag-on Village’ in Barangay Napoles, since March 31 after spending nearly four months at the regional evacuation center in Barangay Lag-asan. Ortizo explained that while the initial plan was to provide each family with cash assistance of PHP10,000 and roofing sheets, the scope of assistance was expanded to offer a deeper level of care.

Upon their return, the 22 families received additional construction materials, family food packs, and grocery packages from local and national governments, as well as private donors. Volunteers included executives and staff from various city departments and offices, alongside personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Office of Civil Defense, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fire Protection.