Arroyo moves to ensure welfare of Mayon folk

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Sunday ordered concerned government agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of people living near the restive Mayon Volcano in the Bicol region. Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Mrs. Arroyo reminded Secretaries Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (Defense) and Esperanza Cabral (Social Welfare) of the government’s “zero casualty" policy. “The President directed Secretary Teodoro as National Disaster Coordinating Council chairman to ensure the safety of the people in the area, and she directed the DSWD through Secretary Esperanza Cabral to ensure the needs of affected residents will be attended to," he said on government-run dzRB radio. About 7,000 people living near the world-famous Mount Mayon would have to be evacuated once the volcano's abnormal activity escalates, according to Albay Gov. Joey Salceda. The evacuation would be done once the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) hoists Alert Level 3 in the area. Based on Phivolcs' five-level alert system, Alert Level 3 is raised once there is "significant local eruption." Earlier, the NDCC said the Department of Education (DepEd) in Bicol is now drawing up a list of schools that could be used as evacuation centers in case Mayon Volcano erupts. It said city and town disaster coordinating councils in Albay province are also conducting information drives in areas likely to be affected by the explosion. Authorities in Albay province have already banned orchid-gathering, farming and tourist activities at the volcano’s danger zones. The ban was issued in two advisories to concerned local government agencies upon the recommendations of Phivolcs. Phivolcs said the volcano be off-limits “to any human activity" at the 7-km extended danger zone at southeast quadrant of the volcano, and the 6-km permanent danger zone. The NDCC said they are also monitoring residents outside the declared danger zones through their respective disaster coordinating councils. Mount Mayon, known for its perfect cone shape, last erupted in July and October 2006, and is considered to be the most active volcano in the country. - GMANews.TV