President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed Administrative Order No. 32, formally creating the National Task Force Kanlaon to address volcanic hazards and safeguard communities in the Negros Island Region.
The move comes in response to the heightened activity of Kanlaon Volcano. President Marcos emphasized the importance of strengthened coordination among government agencies to ensure a more effective, efficient, and strategic response to natural disasters.
He highlighted the need for a unified government approach to minimize the potential social, economic, and environmental consequences of a possible eruption.
Task Force Kanlaon has been designated to lead the planning and implementation of recovery, rehabilitation, and resettlement efforts in response to potential volcanic hazards. The task force will be chaired by the Department of National Defense, with key member agencies including the Departments of Science and Technology, Environment and Natural Resources, Public Works and Highways, Social Welfare and Development, among other relevant government bodies.
The Office of Civil Defense will act as the secretariat for Task Force Kanlaon, providing essential administrative and logistical support.
The establishment of the task force underscores the administration’s commitment to the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (Republic Act No. 10121), reinforcing its focus on proactive and coordinated disaster preparedness and response.