By Marita Moaje | Philippine News Agency
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has intensified its air and water quality monitoring in Albay as elevated ashfall emissions from Mayon Volcano raise health and environmental concerns in affected communities.
The DENR, in a news release on Tuesday, said the move is part of the government’s coordinated response following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to assist families displaced by the volcanic activity, with the DENR focusing on science-based monitoring alongside relief support.
“President Marcos’ directive galvanized a whole-of-government response. DENR is deploying science, manpower, and supplies to protect health and restore normalcy for displaced families,” Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said.
The DENR said its Environmental Management Bureau – Region 5 (EMB-5) has redeployed air quality monitoring equipment in heavily impacted areas, while establishing monitoring stations in Legazpi City, Tabaco City, Ligao City, and Guinobatan, to provide hourly updates on particulate and gas concentrations.
To enhance real-time data collection, the agency has also deployed additional equipment, including Enhanced Beta Attenuation Monitor units in Camalig and Guinobatan, and a manual Total Suspended Particulates monitor in Camalig.
“Air quality monitoring conducted in Guinobatan, Albay, from 10:42 a.m. on May 2, to 8 a.m. on May 3, recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 1,106, primarily driven by elevated levels of Particulate Matter (PM10) associated with ashfall from Mayon Volcano,” the EMB-5 said.
The DENR has also placed a close watch on the water quality in the province, conducting weekly testing of nearby rivers, streams and reservoirs to ensure water remains safe for affected communities and evacuation centers.
Tests include Total Suspended Solids, phosphates, color, and heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, zinc, and copper.
Complementing these efforts is the distribution of water containers and hygiene supplies to displaced families.
The DENR – Bicol has also joined ash-clearing operations and is extending support to local government units and evacuation sites.
The agency said that its Mines and Geosciences Bureau – Region 5 is set to distribute 600 five-gallon water containers, while DENR Bicol will provide 351,496 board feet of lumber and 220 sacks of charcoal to help build portalets and support basic needs in evacuation centers.
“We are coordinating closely with OCD (Office of Civil Defense) 5, LGUs, and our line bureaus to ensure relief reaches those who need it most while our monitoring teams keep communities informed of air and water safety,” Cuna said.
Meanwhile, information, education and communication activities have also been rolled out to promote safe ash-cleaning practices and nature-based solutions to prevent secondary environmental damage.
Residents were urged to follow official advisories, wear protective masks during ashfall, and take part in community awareness efforts to reduce health and environmental risks.
Cuna said the agency will sustain monitoring and assistance until conditions stabilize.
“Our priority is the safety and dignity of affected families; we will sustain monitoring and support until conditions stabilize,” he said.
