President Marcos orders full government response to Mayon ashfall

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the immediate mobilization of government agencies to assist communities affected by ashfall from Mayon Volcano, specifically in the areas of Guinobatan and Camalig.

Following the directive, response efforts have been ramped up to safeguard public health, maintain safety, and ensure that roads and essential services remain accessible in the affected areas.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has initiated clearing operations to remove ash from major roads. These efforts are being conducted to ensure unhampered travel for both residents and emergency responders.

The Department of Health (DOH) is currently distributing N95 masks and deploying mobile clinics and water stations to address respiratory concerns. These resources are intended to provide immediate medical care, particularly for individuals experiencing coughing, breathing difficulties, or eye irritation.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), has been deployed to conduct water spraying and ash clearing operations in the affected communities to mitigate these issues.

Evacuation measures are being strictly implemented under the leadership of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is currently providing food and essential aid to families in evacuation centers. Thousands of food packs, ready-to-eat meals, and relief supplies have been prepositioned across the Bicol Region to ensure timely distribution.

The President has instructed authorities to closely monitor rivers and waterways for possible lahar flows, particularly in the event of heavy rainfall.

Residents are also urged to remain vigilant and stay indoors whenever possible. They are also advised to wear protective masks and strictly follow all safety advisories issued by local government units.

The national government continues to coordinate with local authorities to ensure the swift delivery of assistance and to maintain community safety as volcanic activity persists.

-Paraluman News