People affected by Mayon Volcano, one of President’s priorities

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III delivers his speech during United Nation Climate Change Summit held at the UN Headquarters here on Tuesday (September 23). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — Even as President Benigno Aquino III was away for a 12-day five nation working visit, on top of his priority list are the concerns of those displaced by Mayon Volcano’s imminent eruption, a Palace official said on Sunday.

“Habang nandoon po kami sa Europa at Estados Unidos, araw-araw pong tinututukan ang sitwasyon at binibigyan po ng karampatang direktiba ang mga kinauukulan. Nasa mataas na prayoridad po sa atensiyon ng ating Pangulo ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan na nasa danger zone ng Mayon Volcano eruption,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio B. Coloma, Jr., in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

On Thursday, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned that Mayon Volcano is recharging as it enters another phase towards an explosive eruption similar to its strong eruption in 1984.

When Mayon erupted in September 23, 1984, more than 73,000 people fled as pyroclastic flows went down from its side.

“Ang tungkol sa maaring maging pagsabog ng Mayon Volcano, ay masusi po niyang sinubaybayan at kinausap niya ang mga kinauukulang opisyal mula sa kung saan mang lungsod siya naroroon at tiniyak na lahat ng mga dapat na aksyon ay isinagawa para matiyak ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan,” Coloma added.

The Albay Provincial Security and Emergency Management Office (Apsemo) estimated that the number of evacuees has reached 11,982 families or 54,677 individuals.