Among the many groups and individuals providing much needed assistance to victims of the December 9, 2024 Kanlaon volcano eruption were the Masonic Lodges in Negros Occidental.
Recently, members of the Manuel M Abello Masonic Lodge #260 delivered foodstuffs for the students of their adopted school, the Miguel Mondia Elementary School located in Sitio Bais, Brgy Yubo. Students and their families have been evacuated to the La Carlota City College Cubay campus.
The school, just a few kilometers from the crater of Mt. Kanlaon, is considered as a “Last Mile” school by the Department of Education – that is a school geographically isolated and located in disadvantaged areas.
“We were pleased to have the opportunity to help our adopted school. We have great admiration for the students, many of whom have to battle for several hours each day on foot to get to school, often braving fog, rains and swollen rivers. The volcano is interrupting their studies and we know they are anxious to return to school soon,” said WM Robert Harland.*
