Canlaon city: The provincial government of Negros Oriental is providing assistance to the Canlaon City government in establishing a permanent relocation site for residents displaced by the activity of Mt. Kanlaon. Adrian Sedillo, executive director of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), stated that Canlaon City has recently acquired a property that is being prepared for those affected by last year's volcanic eruption.

According to Philippines News Agency, Edna Lhou Masicampo, the Canlaon City information officer, revealed during a meeting in Bacolod City that the site is a five-hectare lot in Barangay Binalbagan, which is 14 kilometers from the volcano's permanent danger zone. The property, valued at PHP85 million, is intended to serve as a new home for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The provincial government, led by Governor Manuel Sagarbarria, is contributing to the site's development by providing heavy equipment for the resettlement area. This marks the initial phase of the project, with further discussions on housing, livelihood, and other income sources ongoing.

While the development progresses, the IDPs are still permitted to access their farms within the danger zone during specific time windows. Sedillo emphasized the importance of identifying permanent relocation and evacuation sites due to the prolonged and uncertain conditions faced by IDPs in temporary camps.

Residents from barangays within the danger zone continue to reside in evacuation centers or with relatives since the eruption on December 9, 2024. As the new school year commenced, those in evacuation camps were relocated to modular tents on school grounds.

In addition to Canlaon City, other towns and cities in Negros Occidental within the danger zone are also seeking relocation sites due to the ongoing threat posed by Mt. Kanlaon.