• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The development of a relocation site for residents who are no longer allowed to return to their respective homes within the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone of Kanlaon Volcano, in Barangay Talaptap, La Castellana, is targeted to start this month, according to Donato Sermeno III, Office of Civil Defense regional director for Negros Island Region.
The provincial government of Negros Occidental recently turned over the 8.6 hectare lot it purchased for the La Castellana municipal government.
Aside from the relocation site, an evacuation center is also being eyed to be constructed in the same area by the Office of Civil Defense.
Sermeno said the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) is now starting the installation of modular shelter units for the evacuees, which will be further developed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, to pave the way for the construction of the evacuation center.
The 39 families residing in high-risk areas of Kanlaon Volcano are presently staying at the town evacuation center.
La Castellana Vice Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan said two hectares of land will also be set aside for a communal farm that may be tilled by the displaced families.*
