President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the Mauraro Evacuation Center in Guinobatan, Albay, where almost 2,000 evacuees have sought shelter due to the ongoing volcanic activity of Mount Mayon.

President Marcos Jr. personally addressed the evacuees and expressed empathy for their predicament. He assured them that government would spare no effort in providing them with the assistance that they need. He acknowledged the resilience displayed by the affected communities amidst adversity and emphasized the utmost importance of their welfare and safety.

He also announced the allocation of additional resources to support the affected communities. This included provisions for clean water, food supplies, medical assistance, and temporary shelters. He also took this opportunity to express his gratitude to the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their immediate assistance. Earlier this week, the UAE sent over 50 tons of humanitarian aid for the affected residents.

He was accompanied by key members of his cabinet and various local functionaries from the Province of Albay and the Local Government Unit of Guinobatan: DILG Secretary Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos Jr., National Defense Secretary Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C. Teodoro Jr., DOST Secretary Renato Umali Solidum, Jr., DSWD Secretary Rexlon Ting Gatchalian, Governor Edcel Greco Lagman, Mayor Paul Chino Garcia, Councilor Carlo Magno Flores. They inspected the facilities and interacted with the evacuees, and personally assessed their living conditions.

DILG R5 was represented by Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Jhoaden G. Lucero, CESO V, ADC Mae C. Clemente, and MLGOO Josefa A. Escurel of Guinobatan, who welcomed the honored guests.