Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s call for coordinated national action to assist families displaced by ashfall from Mayon Volcano, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has intensified environmental monitoring and delivered targeted relief to affected communities across Albay.
DENR’s combined regional and central-office response prioritizes public health, safe water access, shelter support, and rapid restoration of community services.
Strengthened monitoring and scientific response
Through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region V, DENR has redeployed air quality monitoring equipment to heavily impacted areas and established monitoring stations in Legazpi City, Tabaco City, Ligao City, and Guinobatan to provide hourly updates on particulate and gas concentrations.
“Air quality monitoring conducted in Guinobatan, Albay, from 10:42 AM on May 2, 2026, to 8:00 AM on May 3, 2026, recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 1,106, primarily driven by elevated levels of Particulate Matter (PM₁₀) associated with ashfall from Mayon Volcano.”
EMB V is also deploying two Enhanced Beta Attenuation Monitor (EBAM) units in Camalig and Guinobatan and a manual Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) monitor in Camalig to strengthen real-time data collection.
Water safety and environmental health checks
DENR teams are conducting weekly water quality testing in nearby rivers, streams, and reservoirs to monitor Total Suspended Solids (TSS), phosphates, color, and selected heavy metals including cadmium, lead, zinc, and copper—ensuring potable water supplies remain safe for displaced families and evacuation centers.
These measures complement relief distributions of water containers and hygiene supplies coordinated with partner agencies.
Relief, logistics, and community support
In direct response to the President’s appeal for coordinated assistance, DENR Bicol joined ashfall clearing operations and is providing material support to LGUs and evacuation centers.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) V, in partnership with regional offices, will distribute 600 five-gallon water containers to families in evacuation centers, while DENR Bicol will donate 351,496 board feet of assorted lumber and 220 sacks of charcoal to support portalet construction and basic needs in evacuation sites.
Community education and nature-based solutions
During supply turnover, DENR will conduct Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities on safe, environmentally sound ash-cleaning techniques and nature-based solutions to reduce secondary environmental impacts and protect local waterways.
Leadership statements
“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,” said DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna.
“We are coordinating closely with OCD V, 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.” Secretary Cuna added, “Our priority is the safety and dignity of affected families; we will sustain monitoring and support until conditions stabilize.”
Ongoing commitment
DENR reaffirms its commitment to sustained monitoring, inter-agency coordination, and community-centered relief until displaced families can safely return home. Residents are urged to follow official advisories, wear protective masks during ashfall, and participate in local IEC activities to reduce health and environmental risks. (PR)
