Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda (Rep. Salceda's office)


Danger persists for the sector in Albay that's affected by Mayon Volcano's continued restiveness. Thus, said Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda, a former three-term provincial governor that has seen many Mayon-triggered evacuations during his time at the capitol. “The rumblings continue and the danger remains. We respectfully request the continued support of the national government for local governments with evacuees," Salceda, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, said in a statement Tuesday, June 20. "The primary responsibility for evacuees lies with LGUs (local government units), but we really need national government support to keep people safe,” he underscored. Obviously speaking from experience, Salceda said that LGUs have decided that early evacuation is necessary to protect the lives of their people. "But they need help." "That is why we have repeatedly expressed our gratitude to the national government for its steadfast support of evacuation efforts. The crucial ingredient to zero-casualty is sufficient resources. And so far, the national government has been extremely supportive," he said. “Zero-casualty can be a very expensive objective – but it is embedded in our constitution, our culture, and our values that there is nothing more expensive than the loss of human life,” added the economist-lawmaker. Reiterating earlier pronouncements, he said: "Due to the protracted nature of Mayon evacuations, we will need not only food and economic assistance, but also health, safety, educational, and psychosocial support.” “We definitely need provisions for more social workers, more health workers, and facilities to allow continued learning in evacuation centers. Evacuation should be minimally disruptive of the economic and social life of evacuees,” he added.