The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has vowed strengthened coordination and continued proactive response as the leadership of Regional Task Force Kanlaon (RTF) was transferred from Western Visayas to Negros Island Region (NIR) on Friday, Jan. 9.
In a ceremony held at Seda Capitol Central in Bacolod City witnessed by Civil Defense Administrator Harold Cabreros, OCD-Western Visayas Director Raul Fernandez turned over the chairmanship to OCD-NIR Director Donato Sermeno III.
“Today’s turnover ceremony is more than a change in leadership, it is part of our continuing effort to streamline coordinating mechanisms and ensure the continuity of our interventions. This transition reaffirms our commitment to sustain readiness, enhanced collaboration, and decisive action in the face of the threats posed by Kanlaon,” Cabreros said in his keynote message.
The transfer of chairmanship comes as Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 2 or moderate level of volcanic unrest after about a year a half of continued restivenesss, mainly affecting the cities of Bago and La Carlota as well as La Castellana town in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
“As the Kanlaon Volcano continues to pose a threat, we are cautioned against complacency. We must remain proactive, vigilant, and prepared at all times. By investing in preparedness, strengthening precautionary measures, and enhancing coordination, we ensure that our communities remaining protected,” Cabreros said.
Moreover, the OCD chief urged affected local government units to submit project proposals under the Kanlaon Recovery and Rehabilitation Development Plan (KRRDP) that will be funded by the national government.
The KRRDP lays the groundwork for a smooth transition from emergency response to long-term recovery, ensuring that national and local government efforts are aligned toward resilient and sustainable outcomes for affected areas.
Fernandez highlighted the RTF Kanlaon’s role in strengthening preparedness measures, enhancing response coordination, and improving public risk communication.
“A unified, science-based approach in addressing volcanic hazards and protecting NIR,” he added.
Sermeno acknowledged the work of Fernandez in steering the coordinated response efforts and ensuring timely and sound decision-making during the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.
“In this capacity, I reaffirm my commitment to collaboration, preparedness and decisive action in protecting our communities,” he added.
Cabreros assured Sermeno of full support from the OCD as he takes on his new responsibility.
“May your leadership further strengthen the task force. Each member plays a critical role and the chairperson is expected to provide strategic direction, unified efforts, and ensure that plans are translated into concrete and timely actions,” he said.*PNA