President Marcos said the government has mobilized a full response to assist communities affected by ashfall from Mayon Volcano, with clearing operations ongoing and basic needs in Albay already addressed.
The President said he received updates from agencies on the ground, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which has been providing assistance to affected residents.
“Lahat ng needs ng Albay so far ay meron naman, meron tayong suporta na binigay (All the needs of Albay so far are being met, we have provided support),” Marcos said in an interview in Cavite on Monday, May 4.
Clearing operations
Marcos said the government is prioritizing the clearing of roads affected by ashfall to restore mobility in the province.
“Kailangan linisin ang mga kalsada dahil sa ashfall (We need to clear the roads because of the ashfall),” he said.
He added that authorities are working to reopen major thoroughfares to ensure the movement of people, goods, and emergency services.
“I think we will be able to say that the thoroughfares will be open siguro by today… kung hindi na magbuga ulit (I think we can say the thoroughfares may be open by today… if there are no further eruptions),” he said.
Health measures
The President said health concerns remain a top priority, with the Department of Health (DOH) distributing protective equipment to residents.
“Ang DOH nandoon din at nagbigay sila ng mga mask para sa usok at sa mga fumes (The DOH is there and has provided masks for the smoke and fumes),” he said.
He noted that authorities have also provided medical assistance to affected communities.
Evacuations, aid
Marcos said residents in danger zones have already been evacuated and are receiving government support.
“We were able to bring out the people who were in the danger area… and support them with medical attention,” he said.
He added that relief efforts, including food and essential supplies, are ongoing.
‘Minimizing effects’
The President said the government is focused on reducing the impact of ashfall on populated areas.
“We are able to minimize the effects of the ashfall that is going into certain populated areas,” he said.
Full gov’t response
Earlier, Marcos ordered the immediate mobilization of government agencies to respond to the situation, including road clearing, health services, evacuation, and relief distribution.
Authorities are also monitoring rivers and waterways for possible lahar flow, especially in case of heavy rains.
Mayon Volcano’s recent activity has affected several towns in Albay, including Guinobatan and Camalig, prompting evacuation and emergency response measures from national and local agencies.
