The Catholic Church in Albay has mobilized humanitarian assistance as unrest from Mayon Volcano displaced thousands and disrupted livelihoods across the province, with more than 4,000 evacuees now sheltering in evacuation centers.
Mayon remains under Alert Level 3, indicating increased tendency toward a hazardous eruption, following intensified activity that included the largest recorded pyroclastic density current in recent years.
The May 2 event sent volcanic material flowing up to four kilometers through the Mi-isi Gully on the volcano’s southwestern slopes, triggered by lava effusion at the summit.
The Social Action Center of the Diocese of Legazpi, in a situation report dated May 4, said a total of 195,363 individuals from 55,991 families have been affected by ashfall, with 129 barangays across Oas, Guinobatan, Ligao City, and Camalig reporting impact.
As of May 3, at least 4,111 individuals from 1,133 families are staying in 17 evacuation centers across Tabaco City, Malilipot, Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, and Ligao City. No casualties, injuries, or missing persons have been reported.
Ashfall from the eruption blanketed communities, including Camalig and Guinobatan, covering roads and disrupting daily activities.
Authorities continue to warn of hazards such as pyroclastic density currents, lava flows, rockfalls, and ashfall, particularly in areas along the southern and southwestern flanks. Entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone remains prohibited.
The Diocese of Legazpi’s Social Action Center said it has activated its humanitarian response, issuing an urgent call for donations to support displaced families.
Planned assistance includes the distribution of hot meals, food packs, hygiene kits, and face masks.
The volcanic activity has also begun to affect agriculture and livelihoods. Initial assessments indicate damage to crops and vegetation in ashfall-affected areas, including Barangay Anoling in Camalig, while some livestock deaths and losses have been reported.
The disruption to agricultural production has raised concerns over local food supply and the long-term recovery of farming communities, with local governments continuing damage assessments.
Government agencies have advised residents to remain indoors, use protective masks when necessary, and comply with safety measures, including strict enforcement of the permanent danger zone.
Church authorities, working with parish networks and local disaster response councils, are coordinating relief efforts and preparing sustained assistance for affected communities.
