Albay: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has intensified its air and water quality monitoring in Albay as elevated ashfall emissions from Mayon Volcano raise health and environmental concerns in affected communities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the effort is part of the government's coordinated response following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to assist families displaced by the volcanic activity, with the DENR focusing on science-based monitoring alongside relief support. Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna emphasized the deployment of science, manpower, and supplies to safeguard health and restore normalcy for displaced families.
The DENR's Environmental Management Bureau - Region 5 (EMB-5) has redeployed air quality monitoring equipment in heavily impacted areas, with new monitoring stations established in Legazpi City, Tabaco City, Ligao City, and Guinobatan, providing hourly updates on particulate and gas concentrations. Additional equipment, including Enhanced Beta Attenuation Monitor units in Camalig and Guinobatan, and a manual Total Suspended Particulates monitor in Camalig, have been deployed for real-time data collection.
Air quality monitoring conducted in Guinobatan, Albay, from 10:42 a.m. on May 2, to 8 a.m. on May 3, recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 1,106, primarily driven by elevated levels of Particulate Matter (PM10) associated with ashfall from Mayon Volcano, as reported by the EMB-5.
The DENR is also closely monitoring water quality in the province, conducting weekly tests of nearby rivers, streams, and reservoirs to ensure water safety for affected communities and evacuation centers. Tests include Total Suspended Solids, phosphates, color, and heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, zinc, and copper. Additionally, the distribution of water containers and hygiene supplies complements these efforts.
DENR - Bicol has joined ash-clearing operations and is extending support to local government units and evacuation sites. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau - Region 5 is set to distribute 600 five-gallon water containers, while DENR Bicol will provide 351,496 board feet of lumber and 220 sacks of charcoal to assist in building portalets and supporting basic needs in evacuation centers.
Cuna stated that coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 5, LGUs, and line bureaus ensures relief reaches those in need, while monitoring teams keep communities informed about air and water safety. Information, education, and communication activities have been initiated to promote safe ash-cleaning practices and nature-based solutions to prevent secondary environmental damage.
Residents are urged to follow official advisories, wear protective masks during ashfall, and participate in community awareness efforts to mitigate health and environmental risks. Cuna assured that monitoring and assistance would continue until conditions stabilize, prioritizing the safety and dignity of affected families.
