Guinobatan: A total of 20,000 bottles of drinking water were delivered to Guinobatan, Albay, as part of a larger 24,000-bottle assistance from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to address water shortages caused by Mayon Volcano's ashfall. OCD 5 (Bicol) Director Jessar Adornado said the distribution followed local officials' request, with 20,000 bottles for Guinobatan and 2,000 each for Camalig and Ligao. Each six-liter bottle is being distributed directly to barangays for faster access.
According to Philippines News Agency, Adornado emphasized there is no need to wait for assistance as it is being delivered directly to the affected areas. He stated this aligns with President Bongbong Marcos's directive that aid should be immediately felt by those in need. The OCD is operating around the clock to support local governments. The agency has mobilized resources, including personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine National Police, to ensure efficient delivery. Earlier, the OCD provided face masks, hygiene kits, and goggles to communities affected by ashfall.
Guinobatan Mayor Gemma Ongjoco expressed gratitude to the national government for its swift response, especially for the substantial water assistance. She noted that the 20,000 water supply is a significant help and expressed appreciation for the government's support. Ongjoco highlighted the urgent need for mineral water due to declining water levels worsened by ashfall.
Joy Maravillas, head of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), reported that all 44 barangays in Guinobatan are affected, leading the local disaster council to recommend a state of calamity. She stated that the entire municipality, not just a portion of the population, is impacted. Water rationing efforts are underway, prioritizing households most in need.
Despite the challenges, both officials expressed gratitude for the support from national agencies, local responders, and barangay officials. Maravillas thanked everyone involved, noting that while the situation is difficult, the support makes it more manageable. Authorities assured that response operations will continue as necessary, with ongoing coordination among agencies to ensure timely assistance while the situation around Mayon Volcano remains uncertain.
