• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The 22 families who compose of the last batch of internally displaced persons residing outside of the Kanlaon Volcano 4-kilometer permanent danger zone, that have been staying at the evacuation center in Bago City for more than eight months, returned home on August 16.
The return of 81 IDPs to their homes at Purok Manokan, Barangay Ilijan, Bago City, was approved by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, chaired by Mayor Marina “Mayette” Javellana-Yao, following the downgrade of the Kanlaon unrest status from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2.
In a statement, the Bago City government said the successful return of IDPs to their homes stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the spirit of Bayanihan that defines every Bagonhon.
The IDPs who had stayed at the Payag sang Kapag-on Village in Barangay Napoles for eight months to return home through the comprehensive “Bayanihan kag Pagbangon: Rebuild and Adopt a Home” program.
Reflecting on the experience, Mayor Javellana-Yao shared her personal involvement in the program.
“Bayanihan sa Bago is real, we felt it and was so blessed by it. I will never forget the challenging trek asta kalambot kami sa ila balay (until we reached their homes),” she said.
Javellana-Yao added that experiencing firsthand what the families go through daily and being able to discuss their livelihood with them “strengthens our drive and desire to think of ways to make their lives better.”
On Aug. 14, 61 families, composed of 225 individuals, who are living outside of the 4 kilometer danger zone, also went home in Sitio Guintubdan, Brgy. Ara-al, La Carlota City. They were given GI sheets to replace roofs of their houses damaged by ashfall and P1,800 in financial assistance.
Those who remain at the evacuation centers in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, are residents inside the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone.
CDRRMO head Dr. Merijene Ortizo, who was also present at the activity, emphasized the city’s commitment to providing more than just basic assistance.
“The spirit of unity and the spirit of care and compassion is definitely present among Bagonhons,” Ortizo said, adding that they wanted to give the IDPs a dignified decampment.
The agencies that adopted IDPs houses to repair, included the Office of the Civil Defense Negros Island Region, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Bago City Engineers Office, General Services Office, MAVRU, Sangguniang Panlungsod, Personal Assistants of the Councilors, CDRRMO, among other participating agencies.
The comprehensive support system mobilized the entire community through multiple avenues of participation, including construction, carpentry, hauling, and community support activities.
Material donations poured in from sponsors who contributed lumber, roofing materials, nails, GI sheets, and other essential supplies for the rebuilding efforts.*
