Mount Kanlaon continues to release tons of sulfur dioxide, days after its June 3 eruption sent a plume of volcanic ash and rocks into the sky, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs).
With water supply in several villages in Negros Occidental declared unfit for drinking, #BrigadangAyala led by Ayala Foundation and the WeAreAyala Business Club of Negros (WAABC Negros) distributed 1,000 7-liter bottles of water, together with 1,000 hygiene kits (alcohol, face masks, soap) and 1,000 survival kits to affected families in La Carlota City, Bago City and the municipality of La Castellana.
Today, the two-team, 100+ strong #BrigadangAyala visited evacuation centers and nearby barangays for on-site distribution.
“We are privileged to have this opportunity where all business units of the Ayala group across Negros can gather to help our communities,” said Ayala Malls’ Sharon Siocon, Chairman of WAABC Negros.
Reports on the smell of sulfur from the eruption reaching Bacolod City and even as far as Bicol also prompted local government units to also call for donations of face masks for the residents.
Even as some evacuees have been allowed to return home, some still are being called back due to rains specifically in La Castellana, where lahar flow has inundated the town center and some barangays. Authorities continue to monitor the Kanlaon situation, cautioning that the volcano may still suddenly behave violently without any precursor activity.
Mariton Bornas, chief science research specialist of Phivolcs, shared that Kanlaon is a “dangerous” volcano. Its last magmatic eruption was 122 years ago, or in 1902.
“We thank Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines for donating water to the residents, Liquide International Corporation for the survival kits, and the Ayala group for the hygiene kits. To the 100 volunteers from Seda, BPI, Globe, ACEN, Ayala Land, AC Mobility composing WAABC Negros and AFI Leadcom alumni, maraming maraming salamat. Coming together in times of need clearly demonstrates our shared commitment to the wellbeing and resilience of the communities we serve,“ said Tony Lambino, Ayala Foundation.