Albay Governor Noel Rosal on Thursday said he would propose the declaration of a state of calamity as Mayon Volcano’s activity intensified, following warnings from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) of a possible eruption in the coming days or weeks.
Rosal made the statement after PHIVOLCS raised Mayon to Alert Level 3, citing increased rockfall events, volcanic earthquakes, and signs of escalating unrest.
He said a calamity declaration is necessary to allow the province and affected local government units to fully access emergency resources, particularly the 30% quick response fund.
“Magpo-propose ako ng state of calamity kasi kung magtagal-tagal na ito para magamit din namin lalo na ng mga local government units na involved dito,” Rosal said in a television interview.
He explained that while 70% of disaster funds can be used for pre-calamity measures, the remaining portion is crucial if the situation worsens.
“Pag imminent na yan, para magamit kasi natin yung pondo,” he said.
Rosal said the proposal would be submitted soon after new developments were discussed in a recent meeting with PHIVOLCS.
“Soon na po. Magre-request na tayo. Kasi nakita ko kahapon, nag-meet kami ng Phivolcs with this overnight activity of the pyroclastic flow. Makikita mo naman… talagang bumalik na yung 1978, ganito rin,” he said, recalling prolonged volcanic activity in the past.
He added that an emergency session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan would be convened once the provincial council resumes.
Rosal warned that if alert levels rise and evacuation zones expand to seven or eight kilometers, evacuees could increase dramatically from the current 2,800.
“When this escalates, you’re talking about 50,000 to 70,000. Mas marami kasi ang nasa extended… Almost eight local governments, eight localities na involved dyan,” he said.
He also noted possible disruptions to classes, particularly in public schools.
“In private (schools) kasi walang problema. But in public (schools), yung online, syempre kulang sa gamit yung mga bata. So ang ginagawa namin ay shino-shorten na lang,” he said.
As contingency planning continues, Rosal said water supply preparations are underway in case Alert Level 4 is declared.
“Ngayon ang pinag-uusapan namin yung tubig… Nakahanda po ang ating mga water district… Tingin ko naman kaya natin ma-sustain yan,” he said.