By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday presided over a situation briefing with key government agencies at Malacañan Palace in Manila, where he ordered a swift and coordinated response to address the continuing unrest of Mayon Volcano.
Marcos emphasized the need for immediate and well-coordinated interventions to help communities affected by heavy ashfall in Albay.
In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said government response efforts include evacuation operations, relief distribution, and medical assistance for affected families.
“Sa situation briefing kaugnay ng patuloy na unrest ng Bulkang Mayon, tiniyak ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang mabilis at koordinadong pagtugon ng pamahalaan sa epekto ng ashfall, pyroclastic density currents, at banta ng lahar sa ilang bahagi ng Albay (During a situation briefing regarding the continuing unrest of Mayon Volcano, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the swift and coordinated response of the government to the effects of ashfall, pyroclastic density currents, and the threat of lahar in some parts of Albay),” it said.
“Titiyakin ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan ang tuluy-tuloy na tulong at mabilis na pagbangon ng mga apektadong lugar (Government agencies will ensure continuous assistance and the rapid recovery of affected areas).”
The PCO said the government has facilitated the distribution of face masks and potable water to affected residents to mitigate health risks.
Mobile clinics, Starlink units, and water purification systems have also been deployed to evacuation centers and affected communities.
Clearing operations are also being conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fire Protection to ensure access and safety in affected areas.
The PCO said the 6-km. permanent danger zone around Mayon Volcano remains off-limits due to ongoing volcanic activity.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) continues to monitor Mayon’s volcanic activity and provide regular updates to guide response operations.
The PCO assured the affected communities of continued assistance and support to facilitate early recovery in affected areas in Albay.
Present during the situation briefing were officials of the DPWH, Phivolcs, PCO, Office of the Executive Secretary, Office of the Civil Defense, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as well as the departments of science, health, interior, and agriculture.
The DSWD has already distributed 93,373 food packs, 1,402 ready-to-eat food boxes, and 7,634 non-food items to affected residents.
Mayon Volcano, which spewed thick ash on May 2, remains at Alert Level 3, indicating an increased tendency toward a hazardous eruption.
Marcos earlier assured the public of the government’s full readiness to respond to the needs of displaced residents. (PNA)
