More than 199,000 residents in Albay were affected after Mayon Volcano unleashed thick ashfall on Saturday, May 2, with farmers bearing the brunt of the disaster as crops were destroyed and livestock killed across the province.
In Camalig, vegetables wilted under the weight of the ash while cattle died from prolonged exposure to the ashfall. Mayor Caloy Baldo said local authorities were still working to determine the full extent of agricultural losses in the town, as farms across the area remained blanketed by volcanic debris.
The ashfall reduced visibility to zero in Camalig, cutting off the town and neighboring Guinobatan from normal movement. Residents and travelers were warned to avoid passing through both areas, with a netizen identified as Glen Jay Martillana urging those already caught in the ash to use masks or towels as improvised protection.
The Albay Provincial Agricultural Office had earlier issued advisories urging farmers to cover sensitive crops, clean ash off plant leaves to restore photosynthesis, stake their plants against the weight of ash, and harvest whatever could still be saved before conditions worsened.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with local government units and non-government organizations, mobilized a total of P128 million worth of humanitarian assistance for affected residents. Distribution of face masks and basic relief items was carried out by the PNP, BFP, MDRRMO, and local health departments in the hardest-hit towns.
Philippine Red Cross volunteers were also deployed on the ground in Camalig, Guinobatan, Legazpi City, and Daraga, coordinating with their operations center to reach affected communities.
The PRC warned farmers and residents to keep food and water supplies covered to prevent ash contamination and to stay away from gullies and river channels where fast-moving volcanic flows could occur.
PHIVOLCS reported pyroclastic density currents—locally called “uson”—in the southwestern portions of Mayon Volcano at 5:38 p.m., as Alert Level 3 remained in effect. The agency continued to warn of the possibility of further eruptions, lava flows, and additional ash emissions.
