Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has established the National Task Force Kanlaon to oversee and coordinate government programs, activities, and projects aimed at reducing the impact of volcanic activities and accelerating the recovery of affected communities.
According to Philippines News Agency, under Administrative Order (AO) 32, signed by Marcos, the Department of National Defense will chair the task force, with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) acting as the secretariat to provide technical, administrative, and operational support. Other members include the departments of Science and Technology, Environment, Public Works, Social Welfare, Labor, Interior, and Health.
The task force is responsible for implementing and monitoring programs for the resettlement, recovery, rehabilitation, and redevelopment of communities affected by volcanic activities. It is also tasked to coordinate disaster risk reduction and management efforts effectively and promptly, study measures to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure in the Negros Island Region, and collaborate with government agencies and the private sector.
AO 32 requires the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to develop the Kanlaon Recovery and Development Plan, which will serve as the strategic framework for community recovery and development. The plan will include short-term and long-term strategies and action plans concerning housing, resettlement, infrastructure, social welfare, livelihood, business development, and governance.
The task force, through the OCD, must submit annual reports to the Office of the Executive Secretary on the implementation of AO 32. Funding for the order's implementation will come from existing appropriations of the task force member agencies and other funding sources identified by the Department of Budget and Management.
According to the NDRRMC report, the eruption of Mount Kanlaon has impacted approximately 12,360 families or 48,528 individuals and resulted in PHP129 million in agricultural damage. Recent monitoring by the NDRRMSlC and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration indicates that Mount Kanlaon continues to exhibit significant volcanic activities threatening the safety of communities within the Negros Island Region.
AO 32 states the necessity for coordinated government action to mitigate the impact of Mt. Kanlaon's activities and expedite the recovery and redevelopment of affected communities. The order, made public on Friday, takes effect immediately.
