FUN-FILLED DAY Children of evacuees displaced by the Dec. 9 eruption of Mt. Kanlaon and sheltered at the national high school in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, enjoy a day full of fun, play and food during a Christmas Day party sponsored by the Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation. —Photo courtesy of NVC Foundation
BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines—Amid the concerns of a possible third eruption of Mount Kanlaon, the children displaced by the volcano’s December 9 activity found a touch of Christmas magic. It was an unexpected day filled with fun and games at a party hosted by the Negrense Volunteers for Change (NVC) Foundation.
A Bright Christmas Despite Warnings
The NVC Foundation organized a special Christmas Day event for approximately 200 children who were staying in an evacuation center at the La Castellana National High School in Negros Occidental.
While sirens blared in the background, children frolicked on huge inflatable slides and engaged in various games. Far from the tensions surrounding Mount Kanlaon’s unpredictable behavior, this festive gathering brought a much-needed smile to their faces.
Savoring the Moment
The party’s food stations offered a diverse range of treats, including cotton candy, hotdogs on sticks, popcorn, pancakes, and fries.
Millie Kilayko, president of NVC, explained the choice of party foods: “The local government didn’t allow pre-cooked food like spaghetti due to safety concerns.” Despite the restriction, the NVC Foundation’s signature “mingo meals”—made from rice, monggo, and malunggay—were served. Topped with marshmallows, they added a festive touch to the meal.
Past Successes and Future Plans
The NVC Foundation has a track record of providing children’s entertainment and support in disaster relief centers. They have also invited skilled volunteers to conduct psychotherapy sessions for children who have endured traumatic experiences.
Recently, amidst the ongoing volcanic activity, the NVC Foundation became one of the first private organizations to furnish aid to evacuees during the eruptions in both June and December.
The Scope of the Disaster
According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the December 9 eruption of Mount Kanlaon impacted a total of 11,883 families, made up of 45,526 individuals, across 32 barangays in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.
Of these, 4,454 families (14,186 persons) were housed in 32 evacuation centers, while 2,185 families (6,953 individuals) were staying outside these facilities.
Government Response and Support
The government has allocated PHP123,691,278.86 toward supporting affected families, with PHP364,000 given to local governments and concerned agencies.
With mobile kitchens operational and family food packs distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Kilayko expressed a shift in focus for her organization from food provision to child welfare.
Governor Lacson’s Visit
Governor Eugenio Lacson visited 11 evacuation centers in La Castellana town and La Carlota City to distribute hamburgers. He also brought along mascots from a popular food chain, further adding to the festive atmosphere.
Assuring evacuees they have funding, including a PHP50 million grant from Malacañang, Lacson emphasized their preparedness for a potential extended stay.
Future Preparedness Measures
Raul Fernandez, the OCD Western Visayas head, mentioned the setup of tent cities as a precautionary measure, ready to accommodate thousands more evacuees in case of another eruption.
The comprehensive disaster relief efforts, from private volunteers to government officials, demonstrate a collaborative approach to helping those affected by Mount Kanlaon’s ongoing unrest.
A Day of Joy Amidst Adversity
In a touching gesture, the NVC Foundation brought a moment of joy and fun for the children, many of whom were facing the aftermath of displacement due to Mount Kanlaon’s eruptions. This Christmas party, while brief, brought a sense of normalcy and happiness to the lives of many.
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