President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed a full government response to assist communities affected by ashfall from the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano in Albay.
Malacañang said the order includes the immediate mobilization of key agencies to safeguard public health, ensure safety, and maintain access to essential services, particularly in the municipalities of Guinobatan and Camalig.
The Department of Public Works and Highways has begun clearing volcanic ash from major roads to ensure safe passage for residents and emergency responders.
The Department of Health is distributing N95 masks and has deployed mobile clinics and water stations to address respiratory issues such as coughing, breathing difficulties, and eye irritation caused by ashfall.
Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection have also been deployed through the Department of the Interior and Local Government for water spraying and ash-clearing operations.
Evacuations are underway under the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, with authorities closely monitoring high-risk zones around the volcano.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development has prepositioned thousands of food packs, ready-to-eat meals, and other relief supplies for families in evacuation centers across the Bicol Region.
Authorities are also monitoring rivers and waterways for possible lahar flows, especially in case of heavy rainfall.
Mayon Volcano, one of the country’s most active volcanoes, continues to show intensified magmatic unrest. A total of 32 volcanic earthquakes were recorded on Saturday, including 25 tremors lasting between two and 15 minutes, affecting at least 50 villages in Albay.
Residents in affected areas have been advised to remain indoors, wear protective masks, and follow advisories issued by local government units.
Meanwhile, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. has instructed the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) to coordinate with the DSWD and LGUs to ensure that former New People’s Army combatants and non-combatants receive immediate assistance.
OPAPRU field teams are validating affected individuals and families. Records show there are 42 recognized former rebel combatants and 15 people’s organizations composed of 403 non-combatant members in Albay.
Galvez assured that relief and socio-economic support will be delivered through official government channels to ensure efficiency.
“Our objective is clear: We must be seen and felt as an institution that truly empathizes and genuinely cares,” he said, stressing that support will extend not only to former combatants but also to their communities.
