La Carlota residents affected by Kanlaon eruption receive aid from GMA Kapuso Foundation

Residents in La Carlota, Negros Occidental, were just among those who were affected by the eruption of Mount Kanalon in the past week.

It can be remembered that the entire province was placed under "Blue Alert" by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) following the eruption, which displaced thousands of individuals.

According to "24 Oras," Monday, one of those affected by the eruption was Rutchell Estelloso, whose livelihood as a longtime tourist guide at Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park in La Carlota City was upended.

His earnings, which ranged from P500 to P1,000 on a good day, were dashed when the park had to be closed.

"Medyo masakit s'amin kasi 'yun ang pinakahanapbuhay namin. Medyo parang wala na kaming kabuhayan ngayon," said Rutchell.

Nida Salsalida, a clinic responder at the park, also shared that the area used to be filled with tourists. 

"Noong hindi pa pumuputok 'yung Bulkan Kanlaon madaming mga tourist dito, but right now we suffer because 'yung Mt. Kanlaon [Park] is temporarily closed," she said.

Through Operation Bayanihan, GMA Kapuso Foundation, alongside the 79th and 62nd Infantry Battalions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, took to two barangays in La Carlota City to distribute aid to the affected residents.

According to the report, the distributed assistance comprised essentials to help the families in their daily needs.

For those who wish to help, cash donations may be made through via Metrobank, Land Bank, Banco de Oro, Bank of Commerce, Unionbank, Philippine National Bank, GCash, Shopee, Lazada, and Metrobank credit card. Go here for more information.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News