The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Monday said it is prioritizing permanent relocation for communities affected by the activity of Mayon Volcano, shifting away from repeated emergency evacuations toward long-term safety solutions.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Mayon’s current condition has given the government an opportunity to focus on forward planning.

“Yung Bulkang Mayon medyo tahimik ngayon,” Remulla said, adding that he is scheduled to visit Albay within the week to inspect proposed permanent relocation sites.

Remulla said around 1,000 families living within the danger zone would need to be permanently relocated.

“May mga isang libong pamilya na kailangang permanently relocate within the 2km zone,” he said, noting that expanding the danger radius would significantly affect large portions of the province.

While some evacuees may be allowed to return to their homes as volcanic conditions stabilize, Remulla stressed that permanent relocation remains the government’s priority.

“Mas-importante yung permanent relocation site para hindi sila pabalik-balik sa tuwing nag-aalburoto ang Mayon,” he said.

The DILG said it continues to coordinate closely with local government units to ensure preparedness and community safety while long-term solutions are being implemented.