Despite ‘uson’, ashfall, Mayon Volcano continues to draw visitors

The increasing unrest of Mayon Volcano is not enough to keep tourists away as Filipinos and tourists continued to visit its environs and see its beauty from a safe distance.

According to Ian Cruz’s report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, tourists brought out their smartphones and cameras to take a picture of Mayon Volcano’s perfect cone from a distance at the Salvacion Rotonda. 

Among the visitors are workmates from Daet, Camarines Norte, who seized the opportunity to see the tourist attraction while in town.

“Sobrang gayon (ganda) po,” they all agreed. 

(It’s really beautiful.) 

Meanwhile, a group of friends from Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija also grabbed the chance to take a photo with the Mayon Volcano while wearing matching white outfits.

While tourists and visitors marvel at its beauty from a distance, residents living near the volcano are faced with a different, precarious situation as the volcano continued to spew thick smoke with ash.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed that an ashfall occurred in Santo Domingo, Legazpi City, and Camalig in Albay. Vehicles and plants were covered with a thin layer of ash overnight.

“Para makapaghanda na po kung sakaling magtuloy-tuloy yung pagbuga ng Mayon,” said Dianne Añonuevo. 

(We need to prepare if ever Mayon’s unrest continues.) 

“Lilikas naman kapag sinabi ng barangay,” said Jay Adolfo. 

(We will evacuate if the barangay tells us.) 

Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, which means that entry to the six-kilometer danger zone is prohibited.

The six-kilometer radius covers some barangays in Tabaco City, Malilipot, Bacacay, Sto. Domingo, Legazpi City, Ligao, Camalig, Daraga, and Guinobatan.

Even residents living in the extended danger zone – or the seven to eight kilometer radius around the volcano – are also on alert. 

Albay Governor Noel Rosal said he already approved the declaration of state of calamity in the province but this will still be submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. 

“We are anticipating, as mentioned by PHIVOLCS that alam mo naman si Mayon (you know how Mayon is), it may take months. So we have to make use of our quick response budget,” he said. 

Meanwhile, 983 families or over 3,500 families are currently staying in evacuation centers. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/GMA Integrated News