MAYON Volcano (Mayor Caloy Baldo FB)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) of Albay has approved a resolution placing eight local government units (LGUs) under a state of calamity due to Mayon Volcano's continuing activity, including recent Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs) recorded on May 2 and 5.
Covered by the declaration are the cities of Tabaco, Legazpi, and Ligao, as well as the municipalities of Santo Domingo, Malilipot, Daraga, Guinobatan, and Camalig.
Provincial Resolution No. 0579-2026 was adopted on Tuesday during the 40th Regular Session of the 15th Sangguniang Panlalawigan at the Provincial Capitol Annex in Legazpi.
Board Member Milagros Bal authored the measure, with all board members present co-authoring it.
The resolution cited Mayon Volcano's ongoing unrest, which remains under Alert Level 3 as declared by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), characterized by frequent rockfalls, ash emissions, and PDC events that caused heavy ashfall across multiple areas in Albay.
The situation has significantly affected several LGUs, resulting in health risks, damage to agriculture and properties, disruption of classes and livelihoods, and difficulties in transportation and daily activities. Deteriorating air quality and limited access to basic services have also adversely impacted many families.
In an interview, Guinobatan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) official Joy Maravillas said the town also declared a state of calamity following a special meeting of its local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC).
She said the recommendation was based on the widespread impact, particularly the ongoing water shortage affecting all 44 barangays and reported agricultural losses.
Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) head Oscar Robert Cristobal emphasized the importance of proper disaster fund utilization following the declaration.
"LGUs that are under a state of calamity each have their own Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund. It is up to them how to properly utilize their 30 percent Quick Response Fund (QRF)," Cristobal said.
He added that the provincial government will convene the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) to determine further interventions and ensure efficient resource allocation.
"We have to anticipate. This is the first declaration of a state of calamity this year, and we are only in the second quarter. With proper planning, I believe we have enough," he said.
Under the resolution, the state of calamity shall remain in effect until lifted, based on improved conditions and upon the recommendation of Phivolcs and the PDRRMC.