In response to the eruption of Mount Mayon, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday urged Bicolanos to prioritize their safety by adhering to the recommendations and evacuation instructions issued by the local government.
“With the province of Albay under a state of calamity due to the eruption of Mount Mayon, I would like to remind our fellow Bicolanos to follow the guidance and evacuation instructions provided by your local government. Your cooperation is crucial to ensuring the safety of every one of you,” Marcos posted on Facebook.
The ongoing evacuation efforts continue to focus on relocating families residing within the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone to designated evacuation centers.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development has taken proactive measures to provide immediate assistance to those affected.
Marcos also mentioned the availability of crucial resources, saying, “The DSWD has set aside P114 million as a quick response fund at the DSWD Central Office, along with P5 million in funds available at the DSWD Field Office Region V.”
He added that the government has 179,000 family food packs ready in disaster response centers.
Acknowledging the complexity of the situation, President Marcos assured the public that various government agencies were working together in a coordinated manner to effectively address the crisis.
“In addition to these preparations, we can expect continuous coordination and cooperation among agencies such as the Office of Civil Defense, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and many others,” Marcos said.
The eruption of Mount Mayon has resulted in significant concern among residents, as the volcano’s activity intensifies. The local government’s prompt declaration of a state of calamity reflected its commitment to prioritizing public safety and enabling swift response and assistance.
Authorities are urging residents to heed evacuation orders promptly and remain vigilant in the face of potential hazards posed by the volcanic eruption.
The evacuation process is being carried out with utmost urgency to ensure the well-being of affected individuals and families.
Gov’t steadfast for aid
As the situation unfolds, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to provide immediate aid and support to those in need. The collaboration between different government agencies highlights the collective efforts being undertaken to mitigate the impact of the natural disaster on the affected communities.
Marcos also expressed his solidarity with the people of Albay and assured them of the government’s unwavering commitment to their safety and well-being.
He encouraged everyone to stay informed through official channels and extend support to their fellow Filipinos.
Alert Level 3
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. told the President that Mayon Volcano remained at Alert Level 3, stressing “a possibility of a hazardous eruption.”
“Air transport to Albay is suspended so the Armed Forces of the Philippines has prepared alternative transport means. Joint Task Force Bicolandia activated by the Southern Luzon Command and other disaster risk reduction units are activated in the area” Teodoro said.
The Defense chief added evacuations continued in 20 villages that are within the 6-km permanent danger zone.
“Our latest reports have it that 2,894 families (10,260) persons were brought to 16 evacuation centers,” Teodoro said.
“I will apprise Your Excellency should anything significant arise,” Teodoro told the President.
Gensets, charging stations readied
The Department of Energy is monitoring the energy situation in Albay, particularly the geothermal energy power plant facilities amid the Mayon Volcano unrest.
Energy Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan said in a virtual conference that two geothermal facilities in Albay operated by the Energy Development Corporation, which are about 34 kilometers from Mayon, will be secured.
“So far, the Mayon eruption is not affecting the geothermal facilities. Now they have full capacity in operations. In the eventuality of disruptions to transmission lines, the Bacon Manito geothermal facility has black start capabilities. It is also capable of providing islanding operations to provide a power supply to limited communities and areas in the Bicol region,” Marasigan said.
Black start is the ability of a power generation plant to restart parts of the power system to recover from a blackout.
Priority to critical facilities
Task Force on Energy Resiliency chairperson Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said the DoE, in the event of a blackout, will prioritize electricity supplies to critical facilities such as hospitals.
“Aside from this, the DoE is deploying Task Force Kapatid. Basically, trucks with generator sets will be deployed. They should preposition the units beforehand. But for a prolonged situation that needs charging (of cellular phones) and the like, we have a partnership with private companies that are members of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation. Those are the interventions that we can mobilize,” Fuentebella said.