Canlaon City in Negros Oriental is steadily recovering from the destruction caused by the eruptions of Mt. Kanlaon and Super Typhoon Tino in previous years, with more than 4,000 farmers recently receiving seeds and fertilizers, Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas said Wednesday.

Cardenas said the assistance aims to help vegetable growers whose crops and livelihoods were destroyed by the disasters.

“On the part of the livelihood, we are now bouncing back. Just recently, we were able to assist more than 4,000 vegetable growers, giving them seeds and fertilizers,” he said in an interview.

Cardenas said the city is also addressing the housing needs of families displaced by the disasters.

Following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Tino, displaced residents were temporarily sheltered in covered courts and gymnasiums, he said.

Cardenas said construction of the city’s permanent evacuation center in Barangay Binalbagan is about 80 percent complete and is expected to be operational by December.

The 5-hectare facility is located about 13.9 km. from Mt. Kanlaon.

He said the national government’s housing program for Canlaon City is also being implemented, while the local government has purchased 230 portable houses for families who remain without permanent shelter.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is also set to provide 110 housing units at the new permanent evacuation center, he said.

Cardenas said the city is also working with Kawayan Collective, which has committed to build five houses, while the local government will provide five units as its counterpart.

The mayor said the ongoing livelihood and housing interventions are part of the city’s efforts to help affected residents recover and rebuild their lives following the disasters. (PNA)