Manila: The city government assured residents that contingency measures are in place should unrest of Mayon Volcano escalate, saying that evacuation plans, response teams, and shelters are ready for immediate implementation while Alert Level 3 remains in effect.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Hisham Ismail stated in an interview on Monday that no evacuation has been ordered because residents within the 6-kilometer danger zone have been relocated, but the local government remains on standby for any change in the volcano's condition. "We are prepared, as all 70 barangays are ready to mobilize their vehicles should evacuation become necessary. Our City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) is on standby, and we continue to receive daily updates from our disaster consultant, Dr. Cedric Daep," Ismail said.

CDRRMO chief Miladee Azur mentioned that the city government completed its contingency planning as early as February, in preparation for a potential expansion of the danger zone from 6 to 8 kilometers. She noted that evacuation procedures, assigned personnel, evacuation centers, and affected households have been identified, enabling authorities to implement the plan immediately upon notification from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Azur further explained that the city conducted community consultations in the five Mayon villages of Mabinit, Bonga, Matanag, Buyuan, and Padang to explain evacuation protocols and address misconceptions regarding the possible expansion of the danger zone. She clarified that only families within the seven or eight-kilometer danger zone would be evacuated, and communities outside this buffer zone would not be included.

The city has pre-designated evacuation centers, including the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation evacuation center, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council building in Homapon, Japan International Cooperation Agency Evacuation Center in Gogon, Bagumbayan Central School, Buraguis evacuation center, and several schools in Albay and Legazpi Port districts outside the danger zone. "The plan is not only for people but also for livestock and other animals. Once an evacuation is ordered, all disaster response clusters will be mobilized to provide the necessary services," Azur stated.