OCD Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV – Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency (PNA)
The national government has activated multiple agencies to assist communities affected by Mayon Volcano’s continued unrest, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said.
OCD Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said the Bicol Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has fully deployed its response clusters to ensure the safety of residents within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.
Alejandro highlighted the role of Albay province in leading local response, with additional support from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, and uniformed personnel to provide relief and logistical assistance.
Evacuation centers are being equipped with clean water, community kitchens, sanitation facilities, and safe living spaces to support residents who may remain displaced for months.
Authorities are preparing for a possible escalation of volcanic activity to Alert Level 4 or 5, coordinating closely with local governments to strengthen readiness for more severe eruptions.
Alejandro also visited checkpoints in Camalig and chaired cluster meetings to review resources, response strategies, and coordination among agencies and LGUs.
Air quality in Tabaco City, Legazpi City, Ligao City, and Guinobatan remains within safe levels, the Environmental Management Bureau in Bicol reported, though residents were advised to stay alert and follow local advisories in case conditions deteriorate.