Recovery and Rehabilitation Efforts Underway for IDPs Affected by Kanlaon Volcano Eruption

Strategic Insights -

The Region 6 Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) and partner agencies are working closely with local government units (LGUs) to provide recovery and rehabilitation support to internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the Kanlaon Volcano eruption in Negros Occidental. The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) reported that the Regional Incident Management Team (RIMT) is supporting the safe, informed, and dignified returns of affected residents. A team from the Office of Civil Defense and the Department of Health conducted site visits in affected communities, assessing the condition of damaged houses and gathering situational updates.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 22 houses were damaged in Barangay Ilijan, Bago City, with 81 residents still staying at the city's evacuation center.
  • The Bago City government has scheduled the decampment of Barangay Ilijan residents on Aug. 16.
  • In La Carlota City, 61 families or 225 individuals will be decamped from Barangay Ara-al.
  • Evacuation centers in La Castellana town still have 61 families or 213 individuals from within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone.
  • Around 1,300 displaced families or 4,000 persons returned home outside the permanent danger zone after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology lowered the status of Kanlaon Volcano to Alert Level 2 on July 29.
  • The DSWD-NIR recommended that communities within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone should remain evacuated due to the lingering chances of short-lived explosive eruptions and sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions.

Statistics:

  • 81 residents still staying at Bago City's evacuation center in Barangay Ilijan.
  • 22 houses damaged in Barangay Ilijan, Bago City.
  • 61 families or 225 individuals to be decamped from Barangay Ara-al in La Carlota City.
  • 61 families or 213 individuals still in evacuation centers within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone in La Castellana town.
  • 1,300 displaced families or 4,000 persons returned home outside the permanent danger zone.
  • 4,000 persons outside the permanent danger zone returned home after the reduction in Alert Level from 3 to 2 on July 29.

Sources:

  • Philippines News Agency, Aug 6, 2025
  • Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR)