President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Administrative Order No. 32 April 24, creating the National Task Force Kanlaon, to tackle volcanic threats and safeguard communities in Negros Island.
Marcos called for a “coordinated government approach” to reduce the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the eruption.
Task Force Kanlaon was formed in response to the increasing volcanic activity after its eruption on Dec. 9, 2024, the Presidential Communications Office said April 25.
Marcos had stressed the importance of stronger coordination among government agencies to ensure a more effective, efficient, and strategic response to natural disasters.
The task force will lead the planning and implementation of recovery, rehabilitation, and resettlement programs.
It will be chaired by the Department of National Defense, with the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and other concerned agencies as members.
The Office of Civil Defense will serve as the secretariat and provide support to the task force.
The creation of the task force on Kanlaon response initially surfaced during the visit of Marcos to the evacuation center in La Carlota City Feb. 21 this year.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said about 12,360 families, or more than 48,500 people, have been affected by the volcano unrest, while damage to agriculture already reached P129 million, the PCO said. ||
