OCD: P25.6 million in aid sent to Albay residents amid Mayon Volcano unrest

At least P25.6 million worth of assistance from the national government, private firms, and non-government organizations (NGOs) have been distributed to thousands of residents affected by the increasing unrest of Mayon Volcano in Albay, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Tuesday.

Of the figures, the OCD said, the administration has disbursed P9.2 million worth of  tarpaulin rolls, N95 face masks, family food packs, hygiene kits, pelican cases, and a portable water filtration unit.

About 3,200 or P4 million worth of rice sacks were also set to be delivered to the residents.

“We will continue to provide necessary support from the national government to the affected local government units. Our coordination with OCD regional offices is continuous as we closely monitor the situation,” said OCD Administrator and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno.

“We have reminded our counterparts and the LGUs to implement precautionary measures aggressively to ensure the safety of the residents. We also ask the residents to always follow authorities’ warnings and advisories,” he said.

Mayon Volcano is currently under Alert Level 3 due to its magmatic unrest.

PHIVOLCS earlier said its activities have declined in the past 24 hours, with one volcanic earthquake and 221 rockfall events registered. However, the agency clarified this cannot signify the volcano had already calmed down.

More than 14,000 residents have already been evacuated in the affected areas as of June 12, according to the NDRRMC. — Sundy Locus/BM, GMA Integrated News