Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Friday called on concerned government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to intensify preparedness measures as renewed volcanic activity at Mayon Volcano in Albay and Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island prompted heightened monitoring and response operations.
Go stressed the importance of readiness, particularly the prepositioning of relief goods, the preparedness of response teams, and clear coordination among agencies and LGUs as volcanic unrest continues to pose risks to nearby communities.
“Dapat po talagang handa na ang lahat bago pa lumala ang sitwasyon. Kung maaga nating naipwesto ang relief goods at malinaw ang mga plano, mas mabilis nating matutulungan ang mga apektadong pamilya,” Go said, noting that early action helps reduce panic and confusion during emergencies.
The senator made the appeal as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) placed its Field Office 5 in the Bicol Region on full alert amid Mayon Volcano’s ongoing unrest. Mayon remains under Alert Level 3, indicating an increased tendency toward a hazardous eruption following the occurrence of pyroclastic density currents or “uson,” according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
DSWD reported that ₱132.59 million worth of relief stockpiles and standby funds are ready to support affected families. These include more than 111,000 family food packs, over 16,000 ready-to-eat food boxes, and nearly 16,000 non-food items, prepositioned in warehouses across the region in coordination with LGUs. Preemptive evacuations have also been conducted for residents within the six-kilometer danger zone.
Meanwhile, PHIVOLCS reported renewed ash emissions from Kanlaon Volcano, with Alert Level 2 remaining in effect. The latest ash emission produced grayish plumes rising up to 900 meters above the crater, drifting northwest. Kanlaon has experienced recurrent ash emissions since its 2024 eruption.
Amid these developments, Go urged the public to remain calm, follow official advisories, and avoid spreading unverified information.
“Mahalaga po na makinig tayo sa tamang impormasyon mula sa awtoridad. Huwag po tayong magpakalat ng fake news dahil lalo lang itong nakakadagdag sa takot ng ating mga kababayan,” he said, calling on residents to heed instructions from LGUs and disaster response agencies.
Beyond immediate response efforts, Go reiterated the need to strengthen long-term disaster preparedness through the full implementation of existing laws. He is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient, and fully equipped evacuation centers nationwide.
“Kung maayos at kumpleto ang evacuation centers, mas nagiging maayos din ang paglikas at pag-aalaga sa mga pamilya tuwing may sakuna,” Go said, stressing that safe and dignified evacuation facilities are essential, especially in disaster-prone areas.
The senator also cited his refiled Senate Bill No. 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act, which seeks to create a dedicated agency to consolidate disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation efforts under one institution.
“Mas magiging malinaw po ang pananagutan at mas mabilis ang aksyon kung iisa ang tutok sa disaster preparedness at response,” he added.
Go further highlighted the health risks that often accompany disasters, particularly for displaced families and vulnerable groups. He appealed to the Department of Health (DOH) and LGUs to ensure the continued operation of Malasakit Centers, especially in calamity-affected areas.
“Sa gitna ng sakuna, malaking tulong po na may Malasakit Center na malalapitan ang ating mga kababayan kapag may nagkasakit o nasaktan,” Go said.