Mt. Kanlaon erupted twice in 2024 and another two times in 2025. When the need arose, NVC came to the aid of families who had fled to evacuation centers. In the first wave of emergency and disaster relief, the team mainly distributed face masks, drinking water, Mingo Meals and stuffed toys. Hugging the stuffed toys helped relieve the stress of the children in the evacuation centers. In succeeding waves of relief, the team focused on bringing grocery items and hygiene supplies. Further down the line, we helped families get back on their feet by providing livelihood recovery assistance.
On February 19, Mt. Kanlaon had a minor eruption. An NVC team witnessed the eruption from the site in La Carlota where we are building 105 homes for families who lost their homes to Typhoon Tino. Thankfully, the volcanic activity did not progress.
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However, at about 7PM on February 26, Mt. Kanlaon erupted again. The volcano sent a plume of ash into the air along with pyroclastic material. Alert Level 2 was raised and families in the 4km radius danger zone fled to evacuation centers. NVC prepared to send aid in the morning.
Early in the morning of February 27, the NVC Disaster Response Team hit the road again. Their destination: evacuation centers outside the no entry danger zone around Mt. Kanlaon. The team is bringing masks to protect the lungs of people in the area because the air is full of ash and a strong smell of sulfur. We will also distribute Mingo Meals and stuffed toys to the children in the centers. In times of stress, our bodies have heightened nutritional needs, hence the Mingo. Furthermore, studies show that hugging a soft and cuddly object such as a stuffed toy can help a child cope with stress.
