Legazpi city: The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has assured that the national government is ready to provide support and assistance to local government units (LGUs) and families affected by the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano. OCD Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV stated that all response clusters of the Bicol Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) have been mobilized to ensure the safety of evacuees from the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ).

According to Philippines News Agency, Alejandro highlighted that the national government, through agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), and uniformed personnel, is providing necessary augmentation and assistance to LGUs, particularly the province of Albay, which is leading response efforts under Alert Level 3.

He outlined three key priorities to safeguard affected communities, from ensuring security and evacuation of all residents from the 6-km PDZ to maintaining sustainable assistance for evacuees, including clean water, community kitchens, washing and bathroom facilities, and comfortable living spaces. This approach recognizes that prolonged evacuation scenarios similar to past eruptions may last up to six months.

The third priority involves preparing for a possible escalation to Alert Level 4 or 5, ensuring that authorities and LGUs are ready for more severe volcanic activity. Alejandro, along with the RDRRMC, personally visited border control points in Camalig, Albay, and convened response cluster meetings to coordinate efforts and resources.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Management Bureau in Bicol (EMB-5) reported that air quality around Mayon Volcano in Tabaco City, Legazpi City, Ligao City, and Guinobatan remains at 'good' levels as of Jan. 6. EMB-5 continues regular monitoring and advises the public to stay vigilant, limit prolonged outdoor exposure if conditions worsen, and follow advisories from local authorities.