An official from the provincial government of Albay revealed their intention to permanently resettle individuals residing within the six-kilometer radius of Mayon Volcano's permanent danger zone.
Governor Grex Lagman shared this plan during a public briefing, stating that once the situation normalizes, the government will focus on addressing the housing needs of the affected residents.
"'Yan po yung gagawin namin right after mag-normalize ang situation dito. Kailangan ng housing. Sinabi ko sa president kahapon at sabi niya na tama yon, kailangan talaga hindi na maging perennial ang problema na ito," said the official.
He emphasized the necessity of finding a long-term solution to the recurring problem caused by the volcano's periodic activities.
"Every three or four years kasi nagkakaroon kaming mga events and it's a big burden sa aming pondo and of course the government. Kailangan talaga na pag resettle," he added.
Lagman also discussed the matter with the president, who acknowledged the urgency of the situation.
The governor expressed his concerns about the financial burden incurred every three to four years when volcanic events occur, impacting both the provincial and national budgets. To alleviate this burden, he stressed the importance of resettlement.
To facilitate the relocation process, Lagman mentioned that the provincial government will collaborate with various departments, including the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Agrarian Reform.
These agencies will assist in the development of resettlement sites and provide support for the affected individuals.
Governor Lagman also discussed the possibility of implementing a hybrid system for the resettlement, which would prohibit residents from living within the danger zone but allow them to cultivate the land within it to supplement their livelihoods.
"Ang problema po is the fact that wala tayong national law that prohibits them to put up residences in said places na delikado… Kung batas po ito, mas may ngipin, mas kaya natin mag-act," Lagman emphasized.
