Press Release
July 11, 2009

SET CONTINGENCY PLANS AS MAYON STIRS - CHIZ

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday reminded government to have all disaster control procedures ready to ensure the people's safety and minimize damage to property now that Mt. Mayon has shown signs that it could erupt within the next few days.

"The effects of natural disasters are often catastrophic. While I have full faith in the readiness of the LGU of lbay headed by Governor Joey Salceda to undertake the proper measures to meet any eventuality, the national government should do its part," he said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) raised to level 2 the alert status due to the volcano's increasing restiveness as shown by increasing magma intensity and regular low-frequency volcanic earthquakes.

At alert level 2, residents in villages within the seven kilometer radius of the volcano are evacuated for their own safety.

"The LGUs will always play a crucial role not only in evacuation efforts but also in the repair and rehabilitation of infrastructure so that those affected can resume their normal activities as quickly as possible," Escudero said.

He also reiterated the importance of establishing permanent evacuation centers in provinces frequented by typhoons and volcanic eruptions instead of using schools, barangay centers and basketball courts.

"We have already witnessed the chaos that follows an eruption, since our country is located on the Pacific Rim of Fire. It is important that the Bicol region, where the most active volcano in this country is, prepares for the worse," Escudero said.

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