ILOILO CITY – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that over P161 million in aid was distributed to families and individuals affected by the El Niño phenomenon and the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Western Visayas during the first half of 2024.
OCD-6 (Western Visayas) Director Raul E. Fernandez shared during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum that over P120.06 million in assistance was allocated by OCD and various government agencies to families impacted by El Niño. This assistance encompassed food and non-food items (NFIs), livelihood programs, and water provision.
The El Niño response concluded in July, having affected 1,843,580 individuals, with agricultural sector losses exceeding P1.71 billion. "This is significant considering Western Visayas is one of the country's largest sources of agricultural products," Fernandez said.
Additionally, more than P41.23 million was provided to families affected by the Mt. Kanlaon eruption on June 3, which impacted 33,606 individuals and caused ashfall damage to 2,680 houses.
Fernandez noted that the OCD continues to mobilize resources and monitor these situations while also preparing for potential future calamities, such as the La Niña phenomenon. Welfare goods and NFIs have been prepositioned in strategic locations, primarily within military camps.
He also mentioned that the Regional Task Force La Niña would be activated soon to address possible future impacts. (PNA)
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