Ashfall-affected families in Albay town thank gov’t for aid
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY --- Residents of Guinobatan, Albay have thanked the national government for its swift response to the recent ashfall from Mayon Volcano, which affected thousands of families in the area.
Silverio Pielago, a barangay kagawad of Travesia, Guinobatan, thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for deploying officials, including Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, to personally assess the situation and lead response efforts, particularly in clearing major roads of volcanic debris.
He also acknowledged the support of local and neighboring governments, including the provincial governments of Sorsogon and Camarines Sur, which provided drinking water and other forms of assistance.
He said Albay Governor Noel Ebriega Rosal has also been responsive to their needs.
Pielago added that the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program is expected to further assist residents, especially in dealing with the heavy ash accumulation in their community.
“That will help address the problems in our barangay, especially in clearing the ash,” Pielago said in the vernacular.
He said there will be an orientation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to clarify who is qualified for the TUPAD program.
Despite these efforts, Pielago sought additional assistance, noting that although national highways and main roads have been prioritized for clearing, interior streets within the barangay remain heavily covered with ash.
“This is one of the biggest burdens for our constituents because they cannot move around freely, even if they technically still can. Whenever vehicles pass by, the ash is blown into the air,” he said.
He added the thick ash has become a major burden for residents, making mobility difficult and posing health and safety risks, especially when vehicles pass through and stir up dust.
Meanwhile, Mar Julia Culala, 28, originally from Bulacan and now residing in Travesia, said the immediate distribution of relief packs gave her hope.
She commended the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for its continued support to affected communities.
Similarly, Lovely Odiña, 32, said the relief packs were a big help to her family, especially amid rising commodity prices.
She added the assistance helped “ease their burden” following the ashfall incident that affected Guinobatan and Camalig. (With a report from Melrose Lagonoy, OJT/PNA)
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