Duterte gives Albay an initial P20-M for relief efforts

LEGAZPI CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte handed over on Monday an initial P20 million to the provincial government here as Mount Mayon’s eruption continue to displace thousands of residents.

“I am leaving right now, bigay ko na sa (I will give it to the) provincial government ng Albay, it’s P20 million. I understand hard hit ang about 4 or 5 municipalities,” Duterte told local and disaster officials during a situation briefing here.

“I will augment that tomorrow and send P50 million for the operation,” he added.

Aside from the initial P20 million, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) also gave P5 million.

Duterte landed at the Legazpi Airport around 3:30 p.m. amid cloudy skies and a restive Mayon, whose last activity of sporadic lava fountaining was recorded 7:47 p.m. on Sunday.

Alert Level 4 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano, which means that a hazardous eruption is still possible.

As of June 28, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said 18,255 families or 69,290 persons were taking temporary shelter in 74 evacuation centers; while 2,822 families or 11,946 persons were staying outside evacuation centers. /je