• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
La Castellana Mayor Añejo Nicor said he will work for the establishment of permanent relocation sites for residents living within the permanent danger zone of Kanlaon Volcano.
Over 4,000 residents of La Castellana, displaced by the recent eruptions of Kanlaon Volcano, have been staying in evacuation centers or with relatives for more than six months.
Nicor, who succeeded his sister, former Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan, officially took his oath of office on June 27 before local barangay captains, in the presence of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, 5th District Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo, and other officials.
The newly installed mayor is seeking assistance from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the provincial government of Negros Occidental to realize the development of permanent relocation sites for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The IDPs are currently located within a six-kilometer extended danger zone. The OCD now allows farmers limited entry into the area between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. for essential activities, depending on the volcano’s condition.
The provincial government is also negotiating with two landowners to purchase properties that may serve as relocation sites for the affected families.
Mayor Nicor urged his political rivals to set aside politics and support his administration in the continued development of La Castellana.
He emphasized that the May 12 elections are now behind them.
Meanwhile, outgoing Mayor Mangilimutan—who will assume the role of vice mayor, succeeding their father Alberto Nicor—expressed her gratitude to supporters and municipal employees for their help throughout her term and her father’s administration.
She shared her hopes that the same support would be extended to her brother’s leadership.
While she nearly completed key infrastructure projects during her tenure, Mangilimutan expressed her wish for Mayor Nicor to prioritize the further development of Colegio de La Castellana in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education, as well as the municipal hospital.
She also acknowledged the contributions of Governor Lacson and Representative Yulo in fostering progress in the municipality. | GB
