LEGAZPI City— The Catholic diocese in Albay province launched an urgent relief appeal Monday after Mayon Volcano’s eruption displaced thousands of families and blanketed communities in heavy ashfall.
The Diocese of Legazpi’s Social Action Center is seeking cash donations, food, water and face masks for evacuees displaced after Saturday’s eruption sent massive ash clouds and volcanic debris down Mayon’s southwestern slopes.
“Thousands of families are now in evacuation centers — and they need your help now,” the diocesan Social Action Center said.
The center said a powerful pyroclastic density current from Mi-isi Gully covered more than 120 barangays in the towns of Guinobatan, Camalig, Oas and Ligao City in ash.
“Streets turned gray, motorists were caught in the ashfall, and thousands of families were forced to flee their homes,” it said.
Mayon Volcano remained under Alert Level 3 as of May 3, signaling continued volcanic unrest and the threat of further hazardous eruptions.
Church officials designated the Social Action Center at the Albay Cathedral compound in Legazpi City as the main drop-off point for in-kind donations.
Cash donations may be sent through GCash at 0995-749-6571 under Eric M. or through BPI account Social Action Center-SPM, account number 0851-0067-37.
Donors are asked to provide proof of transaction through the center’s Facebook page for proper acknowledgment and documentation.
