LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — The ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano has taken a severe toll on the province of Albay, with thick ashfall now affecting at least 91,225 individuals and causing substantial losses to the local agricultural sector.
In a report released on Monday, May 4, 2026, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Bicol Region confirmed that the displacement and health risks associated with the volcanic activity have spread across several municipalities, forcing thousands into evacuation centers as the volcano remains under Alert Level 3.
The heavy ashfall has blanketed residential areas, particularly in the towns of Camalig, Guinobatan, and Ligao City.
- Displaced Persons: Of the 91,225 affected, approximately 22,000 residents are currently staying in designated evacuation centers, while others have sought refuge with relatives.
- Respiratory Concerns: Local health officials have reported a spike in respiratory-related complaints, particularly among children and the elderly, due to the fine volcanic particles.
- Class Suspensions: Face-to-face classes remain suspended in affected areas to prevent students from being exposed to the hazardous air quality.
The provincial veterinary office and the Department of Agriculture (DA) have begun quantifying the damage to the region’s livelihood, which has been described as “catastrophic” for small-scale farmers.
- Livestock Deaths: Hundreds of cattle, goats, and pigs have reportedly died due to respiratory failure after inhaling volcanic ash or consuming contaminated forage.
- Evacuation of Animals: Authorities have established “animal evacuation centers” to move livestock away from the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), but many farmers struggled to transport their animals in time.
- Crop Damage: Thousands of hectares of vegetable and rice farms have been buried under centimeters of ash, leading to an estimated loss of millions of pesos in potential harvest.
The provincial government of Albay, led by Governor Edcel Greco Lagman, has mobilized quick response funds to provide food packs, clean water, and face masks to the affected population.
“The priority is the safety of our people and the preservation of what remains of our agricultural heritage,” Lagman stated. “We are coordinating with the national government to ensure that the ₱3,000 fuel subsidy and other aid packages reach our farmers and fishers who are now facing a double crisis of volcanic eruption and high fuel costs.”
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) continues to record high-level tremors and frequent rockfall events. Experts warn that while the current activity is characterized by “gentle” lava flow and ash puffing, the threat of a hazardous explosive eruption remains high within the coming days or weeks.
Residents are strictly advised to stay away from the PDZ and to keep an eye on the movement of lahar (volcanic mudflows), especially with the threat of localized thunderstorms in the Bicol Peninsula.