By Mary Judaline Partlow
DUMAGUETE CITY — The Canlaon City government in Negros Oriental is seeking financial aid from the national government as its Quick Response Fund (QRF) nears depletion, officials said Sunday.
Edna Lhou Masicampo, city public information officer-designate, said the QRF is down to PHP4.7 million as of Dec. 15.
The city’s QRF, representing 30 percent of its calamity fund, was pegged at PHP11 million but was utilized immediately following the first eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on June 3, she said.
“With the influx of residents forcibly evacuated from the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone of Mt. Kanlaon, comprising five barangays, the LGU (local government unit) has to spend an estimated PHP600,000 to PHP700,000 on their needs,” Masicampo said.
As of Sunday morning, 1,240 families or 4,037 individuals were housed in seven evacuation centers, including two newly added sites: Binalbagan Elementary School and Bayog Elementary School.
“We cannot just let our people rely on canned goods and we have to ensure their health as well as prevent disease outbreak,” Maritess Estrada, secretary to the mayor, said, emphasizing the importance of providing nutritious meals.
Estrada added that the LGU has established community kitchens and procured essential items like diapers and milk formula, which are not included in family food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas expressed hope for national government intervention, noting the provincial government cannot declare a state of calamity due to legal constraints.
Meanwhile, classes in all schools have resumed, but students from the seven schools used as evacuation centers will shift to modular learning. (PNA)
