• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Almost 50 percent of the targeted 500 family tents have already been established at the evacuation center in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, according to Donato Sermeno III, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region.
Sermeno said on Tuesday (Feb. 4) that regular members and reservists of the Philippine Army as well as volunteers from various sectors have offered their services to put up the 128 family tents.
The tent city is among the areas being eyed as evacuation center for about 37,000 residents of La Castellana should Alert Level 4 be declared.
Alert Level 3 remains hoisted over Mt. Kanlaon, which last erupted on Dec. 9, prompting thousands in La Castellana town, Bago City and La Carlota City to evacuate.
Sermeno said he expects that the tent city, which will be secured by the Philippine Army, to be completed by the end of February.
He added that the food for internally displaced individuals, who will be temporarily housed in the tent city, will be provided by the local government units with assistance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The cities of La Carlota and Silay in Negros Occidental have also signed a memorandum of agreement establishing a sisterhood agreement focused on disaster preparedness and emergency response.
La Carlota City Mayor Rex Jalando-on and Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego have formalized the partnership to enhance coordination and support between the two cities.
The agreement reinforces both cities’ commitment to collaboration in disaster response, ensuring a more unified and effective approach during emergencies. | GB
