Mainly to coordinate assistance for communities affected by heavy ashfall in Albay.
On Wednesday, May 6, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led a situation briefing with relevant government agencies to assess conditions on the ground following the recent volcanic activity of Mayon Volcano and to
Mayon Volcano spewed thick ash on May 2, blanketing nearby communities and disrupting daily life of residents.
Attending the situation briefing were officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Also present were key officials from the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) , Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), and Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
In line with that, the government has already rolled out a range of response efforts such as site inspections, relief distribution, medical services, camp management, debris clearing, water distribution, Starlink installation, and other necessary support operations.
Meanwhile, PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro also reported that the DSWD has already distributed a total of 93,373 food packs, 1,402 ready-to-eat food boxes, and 7,634 non-food items to affected residents.
Debris-clearing operations are also ongoing in the surrounding towns, while the 6-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone and evacuation protocols are strictly being enforced by local authorities.
The government is also ensuring proper management and operation of evacuation centers, as well as the sustained provision of essential services, such as food and other basic needs. In addition to those, the residents are also provided with essential healthcare services, while evacuated animals receive proper veterinary care.
“Patuloy pa hanggang sa ngayon ang pagmo-monitor dito sa nagaganap sa Mayon Volcano sa Albay,” Castro said, adding that concerned agencies continues to conduct post-disaster assessment.
At present, the Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3 according to the bulletin issued by the PHIVOLCS.