Marcos orders full government response to Mayon ashfall

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has ordered the rapid deployment of government assistance to the communities affected by the ashfall from Mayon Volcano’s unrest, particularly Guinobatan and Camalig in Albay. 

“Following the President’s directive, response operations are now in full swing to protect public health, ensure safety, and keep roads and essential services accessible in affected areas,” the Palace said in a statement. 

Marcos directed the Department of Public Works and Highways “to remove ash from major roads and ensure safe and continuous travel for residents and emergency responders.” 

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon made the same observation during his visit to the affected towns. "Kailangan natin tanggalin kasi kung itatabi mo lang, titigas iyan, hindi mawawala iyan," he said of the ash.

(We have to remove it because if you just put it to the side it will harden and it will stay there.)

The Department of Health distributed N95 masks and deployed mobile clinics to help those with respiratory concerns. The department also set up water stations. 

The Bureau of Fire Protection was ordered to conduct water-spraying and ash clearing operations in affected areas. 

The Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council are continuously monitoring the situation, especially those in high-risk areas. 

The Department of Social Welfare and Development is distributing food and essential assistance to families in evacuation centers. Over 300,000 food packs and other supplies were positioned in the Bicol Region. 

According to a report by Luisito Santos on Super Radyo dzBB, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity also said that former rebels and their families affected by the ashfall will receive assistance.  

Tulong ng pamahalaan sa mga dating rebelde na apektado ng pag-aalburoto ng Bulkang Mayon, tiniyak ng Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity. | via @luisitosantos03 pic.twitter.com/f4b6foc3aw

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) May 3, 2026

“The President also directed authorities to closely monitor rivers and waterways for possible lahar flow, especially in the event of heavy rainfall,” the Palace said. 

“Residents are urged to remain vigilant, stay indoors as much as possible, wear protective masks, and follow safety advisories issued by their local government units,” it added. 

On Saturday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology  (PHIVOLCS) said it noticed signs of intensified and magmatic unrest, with lava flows and volcanic earthquakes.

Alert Level 3 remains enforced after the increased volcanic activity caused ashfall over some areas in Albay province over the weekend. — BM, GMA News