Bacolod City – An initial amount of P100 million has been allocated by the provincial government of Negros Occidental, to construct a dormitory-type evacuation center at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz disclosed.
Diaz said a blueprint of the proposed dormitory-type evacuation center, which can accommodate 5,000 individuals, to be constructed in front of the Emergency Operations Center and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, is being finalized by the Provincial Engineering Office.
The Office of the Civil Defense 6 has identified the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City as an evacuation center in case of a Kanlaon volcano eruption.
Diaz said the dormitory-type building can also be used by athletes during regional sports competitions, and even the Palarong Pambansa.
He also disclosed that the provincial government is allocating P10 million to buy rice, canned goods and hygiene kits to replenish its stocks for evacuees, in case Kanlaon Volcano erupts.
Camp management teams to take care of evacuees are also being readied at the Panaad Park in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.
“We are hoping and praying that there will be no major eruption as it would be a major setback for the province’s economic gains,” said Diaz.
As of September 23, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that Kanlaon volcano continues to exhibit signs of volcanic unrest.
PHIVOLCS logged 28 volcanic earthquakes within the past 24 hours, and Kanlaon volcano has released significant sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions, measured at 7,211 tonnes per day.
While these indicators suggest ongoing activity beneath the surface, the overall status of Mt. Kanlaon remains uncertain, it added.
We strongly advise nearby residents and visitors to remain vigilant and prioritize safety measures. Access to the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) should be strictly avoided, and contingency plans should be prepared in case of any escalation, PHIVOLCS said. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds)