President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Administrative Order No. 32 creating the National Task Force Kanlaon to tackle volcanic threats and safeguard communities in the Negros Island Region.
Marcos signed the order on 24 April, following a situation briefing in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.
In the official document, Marcos stressed the importance of stronger coordination among government agencies to reduce the impact of Mt. Kanlaon’s volcanic activities and expedite the recovery and redevelopment of affected communities.
The Task Force was formed in response to the increasing volcanic activity at Mt. Kanlaon. On 9 December 2024.Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert level to 3.
According to a report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the eruption has affected about 12,360 families, or more than 48,500 people. It has also caused P129 million in damage to agriculture.
Meanwhile, Marcos called for a “coordinated government approach” to reduce the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the eruption.
The task force will lead the planning and implementation of recovery, rehabilitation and resettlement programs.
It will be chaired by the Department of National Defense while other agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Social Welfare and Development and other concerned agencies will serve as members.
The Office of Civil Defense will serve as the secretariat and provide support to the task force.