Marcos orders aid, clearing works for residents near restive Mayon

Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.ordered agencies to provide assistance and conduct clearing operations for people in Albay  hit by heavy ashfall from Mayon Volcano.

“We are all ready kung anong pangangailangan nila,” Marcos said, referring to affected communities after ashfall blanketed several towns since Saturday.

[Translation: We are ready for whatever they need.]

The president said he had directed personnel to assess conditions, deliver immediate medical assistance and clear roads blanketed in ash.

“I have just received – last (Sunday) night, I was receiving report nung mga pinapunta namin at (Public Works and Highways) Secretary Vince (Dizon) was also there, DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development). We are all ready kung anong pangangailangan nila,” he said during an ambush interview at the opening of CALAX Subsection 3 in General Trias, Cavite on Monday, May 4.

[Translation: I just received reports last Sunday night from those we sent there, and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon was also there, along with the DSWD. We are ready for whatever they need.]

Marcos said roads covered in ash were made passable, while health authorities distributed protective equipment.

“Right now, kailangang linisin ang mga kalsada dahil sa ashfall. At ang DOH nandoon din at nagbigay sila ng mga mask para sa usok at saka sa mga fumes na lumalabas,” he said.

[Translation: Right now, the roads need to be cleared because of the ashfall. The Department of Health is also there and has provided masks for the smoke and fumes being emitted.]

The president added he had spoken with local officials in Albay, who confirmed that national government support had been delivered.

“I spoke also to the governor and sabi naman niya that lahat ng needs ng Albay so far ay mayroon tayong suportang binigay, Unfortunately, we are used to Mayon, but never mind, we are able to minimize the effects of the ashfall that is going into certain populated areas at ‘yun ang inaalala natin,” Marcos said.

[Translation: I also spoke to the governor, and he said that all of Albay’s needs so far have been supported. Unfortunately, we are used to Mayon, but we are able to minimize the effects of the ashfall affecting certain populated areas, and that is what we are concerned about.]