Some evacuees in Bago City, Negros Occidental, who were displaced by the recent unrest at Kanlaon Volcano are set to return home on August 16.
Bago City Mayor Marina Javellana Yao convened the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) on Friday, August 1, to finalize the decampment plan.
Dr. Merijene Ortizo, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said the August 16 date was chosen to give evacuees ample time to repair their homes.
The council passed a resolution approving the decampment and P10,000 financial assistance per household to help them rebuild their lives, she said.
The mayor has also initiated a “Bayanihan” activity, a volunteer effort to help the displaced residents repair their damaged houses.
The identified needs for the return include transportation, repair kits, livelihood assistance, support for students, farm kits, manpower, meals, and security, Ortizo said.
Health concerns will also be addressed with mental and psychosocial support and physical checkups for evacuees before they go home.
Of the 22 families with 81 individuals who evacuated, 13 families have decided to return home, Ortizo said.
Nine families have not decided yet because of their damaged houses, she said.
They will all be returning to Purok Manokan in Barangay Ilijan, Bago City.*