Permanent relocation of Mayon's 6-km zone residents eyed – gov

(Updated) The government of Albay province plans to permanently relocate the more than 2,000 people still in evacuation centers who reside within Mayon Volcano's six-kilometer permanent danger zone, Governor Joey Salceda said on Monday. This, even after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) lowered the volcano’s alert level from 4 and 3 last Sunday. “Ang hinahabol kasi namin dito ay yung kanilang dignity. Kesa nasa evacuation center sila, iba yung condition (We are after preserving their dignity as the conditions in evacuation centers are different)," Salceda said in a phone interview. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LARGER VERSION About 2,322 people or about 510 families would be transferred from the evacuation areas to the resettlement sites as soon as the local government gathers enough money to fund the relocation, according to the governor. Evacuees from upper barangay Pandag in Legaspi City would be transferred to barangay Taysan, while those from barangay Bañadero in Daraga would be moved to barangay Anislag, he said. Evacuees from barangay Anoling in Camalig town, meanwhile, would be transferred to barangay Baligang, he added. Salceda, however, said the total number of residents within the six-kilometer zone who will permanently be relocated is yet to be determined. Based on GMA news research data, the permanent danger zone spans 20 barangays (villages) in 6 towns with a combined population of 12,803 persons or over 2,700 families. In a separate phone interview, Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said the move was a “better option" as it was “more viable" in terms of disaster management. As of press, Solidum said the alert level of Mayon remains hoisted at number 3 but Phivolcs is closely monitoring the volcano’s activities that could lead to the further lowering of alert levels.

See the complete table on the Phivolcs website.

Salceda tried to allay residents’ fears, saying they have nothing to worry because there are already available lots for the families and that the government would assist them in building core shelters. He added that resettlement areas have already “integrated eco-systems" and ample assistance, which include livelihood program, would be provided to the residents. The transfer has yet to start, Salceda said, and the government is still studying options whether to let school children finish this school year before it begins. – Aie Balagtas See/JV/JMA, GMANews.TV