Marcos admin creates National Task Force Kanlaon

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has signed Administrative Order No. 32, officially establishing the National Task Force Kanlaon to address volcanic threats and protect communities in the Negros Island Region.

Marcos underscored the need for enhanced coordination among government agencies to ensure a "more effective, efficient, and strategic response to natural disasters."

The task force was formed in light of the increasing volcanic activity of Kanlaon Volcano. Marcos stressed a "coordinated government approach" to mitigate the social, economic, and environmental impacts of a potential eruption.

Task Force Kanlaon is tasked with leading recovery, rehabilitation, and resettlement planning and implementation. It will be chaired by the Department of National Defense, with members including the Departments of Science and Technology, Environment and Natural Resources, Public Works and Highways, Social Welfare and Development, and other concerned agencies.

The Office of Civil Defense will serve as the task force’s secretariat, providing administrative and logistical support.

The creation of the task force reflects the administration’s commitment to the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA No. 10121). — DVM, GMA Integrated News