La Carlota City, Negros Occidental
February 21, 2025

“Mga kababayan ko, kami ay nandito – ako’y nakarating dito upang matingnan, para makita ko kung ano ba talaga ang sitwasyon… Iba ang report na binabasa-basa lang at saka picture na binabasa-basa lang at ‘yung makita ko ng sarili ko,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said during the distribution of assistance to the evacuees of the Mount Kanlaon eruption who are currently seeking refuge at the La Carlota City South Elementary School II Evacuation Center in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.

Speaking to the displaced residents, President Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to assist families impacted by the recent eruption of Mount Kanlaon amid the ongoing challenges faced by over 1,700 displaced families living in evacuation centers.

Discussing the unpredictable nature of Mount Kanlaon’s volcanic activity, the President acknowledged the prolonged challenges faced by the evacuees, many of whom have been away from their homes for nearly three (3) months.

“Ang problema kasi po ay ‘yung bulkan hindi talaga natin – hindi kagaya ng bagyo ‘yan eh na masasabi natin kailan darating ‘yung bagyo. Hindi natin masabi kailan itong bulkan, kailan puputok para matapos na at makabalik na kayo sa mga tahanan ninyo,” he said.

Sharing the latest reports from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the President acknowledged the uncertainty of the situation and assured them that the government is on top of it and will exhaust all means to alleviate their conditions.

“Kaya’t asahan ninyo na talagang nakabantay kami nang mabuti na sana naman ay pagbigyan tayo, mapagbigyan tayo na hindi na pumutok at mawala na ‘yung pressure,” he said.

Highlighting the collaborative efforts between national and local governments, the Chief Executive praised the coordination that has allowed relief efforts to proceed without interruption. He mentioned the importance of creating more comfortable conditions in evacuation centers, recognizing the emotional and physical toll of prolonged displacement.

“Ang magagawa lang po natin tuloy-tuloy po ang ugnayan, ang coordination namin sa local government. Tuloy-tuloy po ang aming pag-monitor ng ating mga siyentipiko, tuloy-tuloy para malaman namin ang tunay na sitwasyon para matiyak na kayo ay hindi malagay sa alanganin, hindi kayo malagay sa peligro,” he said.

Concluding his message, President Marcos Jr. assured them of the government’s continued support. “Asahan na lang po ninyo na itong mga tulong na dinadala ng pamahalaan ay walang tigil po iyan hangga’t hindi niyo na kami kailangan. Hangga’t kailangan niyo kami, nandiyan po kami,” he emphasized.

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