Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson clarified that the ongoing community kitchens for evacuees of Kanlaon volcano are funded by the provincial government. Lacson confirmed that the Capitol still has remaining funds from the 2024 budget to finance the second round of community kitchens.
The initial plan was to use the P50 million financial assistance from the Office of the President to fund these kitchens. However, Lacson explained that the provincial government is still waiting for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign the deed of donation for the P50 million.
“We have already sent the deed of donation to Malacañang twice, but we have not yet received a copy of the signed document,” he pointed out.
Despite the delay, Lacson expressed confidence that the provincial government can continue providing food for the evacuees, as it still has remaining funds from last year’s budget.
As of January 7, the Department of Health in the Negros Island Region reported that the eruption of Kanlaon volcano has affected 2,810 families, composed of 8,959 individuals, who are currently housed in 21 evacuation centers across Regions 6 and 7. Of these, 14 evacuation centers are located in Negros Occidental.
