In response to the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on June 3, the local government of San Carlos, through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), donated relief goods comprising 80 sacks of rice and 5,400 canned goods, along with 2,000 facemasks from SaCaSol Inc.-ACEN, to the Municipality of La Castellana.

City DRRM Officer Joe Recalex C. Alingasa Jr., with the CDRRM team, delivered the relief goods to La Castellana Municipal Mayor Alme Rhummyla G. Nicor-Mangilimutan at La Castellana City Hall yesterday, June 5.

DRRM 3 John BF De Asis of La Castellana MDRRMO said the eruption which blanketed the area with ash impacted their local communities with foul odors and debris making it difficult for residents to stay in their homes, necessitating evacuations to La Castellana Elementary School and the evacuation center.

The relief operation aimed at helping the residents of La Castellana, especially in the upper barangays who were directly affected by the ash falls.

He added that approximately 10,000 to 15,000 residents from three barangays—Sag-ang, Mansalanao, and Cabagna-an—are among the most severely affected, with around 900 currently sheltered in evacuation centers.

He also said that they are still waiting for confirmation from PHIVOLCS when it will be safe for evacuees to return to their areas.

De Asis expressed his gratitude to all the LGUs and organizations that provided assistance, underscoring the importance of community solidarity during challenging times. “We ask our communities to prepare for future events and maintain family preparedness to handle any disaster,” he added.

Support has poured in from neighboring LGUs, including San Carlos City, Kabankalan City, Cadiz City, Bacolod, and from the municipalities of Valladolid, Isabela, and Himamaylan and Toboso providing food packs, rice, water purifiers, and other essential supplies. Distribution of donations is managed in coordination with barangay officials to ensure that aid reaches the intended beneficiaries.

Authorities have mandated the use of face masks, particularly in the upper barangays, to protect residents from lingering ash particles while La Castellana-LGU is also urging the public to stay calm, verify information before sharing it, and avoid spreading fear.

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