Senator Christopher “Bong” Go commended Negros Occidental's plan to establish permanent relocation sites for families displaced by Mt. Kanlaon’s unrest, aligning with his advocacy for stronger disaster resilience and better housing for calamity victims.

“It’s really timely to have safer relocation options for our people during disasters,” Go said in Filipino. “I’m glad to see the provincial government’s initiative, and this is the type of effort that should be supported.”

Provincial officials plan to move residents within Mt. Kanlaon’s 6-kilometer danger zone to permanent, safer areas. As of April 8, 8,031 families from 23 barangays were affected. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology still warns of risks like pyroclastic flows, ashfall, and toxic gas emissions.

Go highlighted that such efforts reflect the importance of Republic Act No. 12076, the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the creation of permanent evacuation centers nationwide. “Evacuees can’t always stay in tents or classrooms. There should be proper facilities where they can rest, eat, and receive care,” he said.

Go also pushed for Senate Bill No. 192, which proposes a Rental Housing Subsidy Program to help disaster victims transition to stable housing, and Senate Bill No. 188, which aims to create a Department of Disaster Resilience.

In Negros Occidental, Bago City’s Payag sang Kapag-on Village, where evacuees are relocated to nipa-style huts with space for gardens and livestock, serves as a model. Go supported similar initiatives in other cities to help displaced families rebuild their lives.

Go emphasized the need for community-based relocation that respects local culture and provides dignity. “The relocation site should be safe and offer families opportunities to live productively,” he said.

As Mt. Kanlaon’s activity continues, Go urged leaders to turn short-term relief into long-term resilience. “Preparedness and compassion are key,” he said. “This is a shared responsibility for everyone.”