Marcos orders immediate aid as Mayon unrest disrupts communities in Albay
Government intensifies relief, evacuation, and monitoring operations after heavy ashfall from the volcano
The government is providing immediate assistance, evacuation support, and continuous monitoring operations for residents affected by the unrest of Mayon Volcano. (Manila Bulletin / file photo)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on Wednesday, May 6, led a situation briefing with key government agencies to assess the impact of the recent unrest of Mayon Volcano and ordered the immediate delivery of assistance to families affected by heavy ashfall in Albay.
In a statement issued by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the President convened officials from several agencies to coordinate response efforts and ensure continuous aid distribution to affected communities.
Mayon Volcano emitted a thick plume of ash on May 2, covering nearby towns and disrupting daily activities, prompting government agencies to intensify relief and emergency operations.
The administration said it has already implemented various response measures, including relief distribution, medical assistance, debris-clearing operations, camp management, water distribution, site inspections, and the installation of Starlink communication services in affected areas.
Earlier this week, Marcos assured residents that the government remains fully prepared to address the needs of communities impacted by the volcanic activity.
Among those who attended the situation briefing were representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Agriculture (DA).
Officials from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), Office of the Executive Secretary (OES), and the PCO also participated in the briefing.
Assistance to affected residents
Meanwhile, PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said 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.
“Patuloy pa hanggang sa ngayon ang pagmo-monitor dito sa nagaganap sa Mayon Volcano sa Albay (Monitoring continues up to now on the ongoing activity at Mayon Volcano in Albay),” Castro said, adding that concerned agencies are continuously conducting post-disaster assessments.
Authorities also continue to enforce the six-kilometer permanent danger zone around Mayon Volcano and maintain evacuation protocols to ensure public safety.
The government said evacuation centers are being properly managed while essential services, including food distribution and healthcare assistance, continue for displaced residents. Veterinary services are also being provided for evacuated animals.