• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Internally displaced persons (IDPs), who may no longer return to their homes within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone of Kanlaon Volcano, have been assured of a relocation site with farm lots to cultivate in Barangay Talaptap, La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
Irene Bel Ploteña, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said on Friday (Aug. 15) that the 8.6-hectare relocation site can accommodate 300 households.
Data from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office showed there are still 61 families or 213 individuals staying in four evacuation centers.
On Thursday (Aug. 14), the Negros Occidental provincial government deployed a composite team to conduct site inspection of the proposed permanent relocation site for IDPs.
They were joined by personnel of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and National Housing Authority, and representatives of the La Castellana municipal government.
The visit aims to evaluate the area viability, socio and economic feasibility, safety, accessibility, and standard compliance of the place for the residents living within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone.
The project also intends to give affected households a permanent solution from the danger of volcanic hazards while maintaining the welfare and livability of the community.
Ploteña said the transfer of the land title to the provincial government is underway after the execution of the deed of sale. | GB
