Negros Oriental declares state of calamity to support Kanlaon eruption evacuees

Negros Oriental has declared a state of calamity to assist evacuees from the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon. This decision, made on December 27, allows the provincial government to access emergency funds for those affected. As of December 26, nearly 8,000 evacuees are in shelters, with many more potentially needing assistance. The province has also implemented a price freeze on essential goods to prevent price gouging in affected areas. The eruption has caused significant agricultural damage, estimated at 33.5 million pesos, impacting over 780 farmers. Local groups are calling for more substantial aid for affected families and farmers facing losses from the disaster.