Sorsogon sends aid to Albay amid Mayon Volcano unrest

By Benilda Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon --- The provincial government of Sorsogon has dispatched humanitarian assistance to areas heavily affected by ashfall from the Mayon Volcano in Albay.

The initiative, called “Tabang kan Sorsoganon” (Help from Sorsogon), delivered 5,000 family food packs to Guinobatan on Monday, which has been identified as one of the hardest-hit towns.

On Tuesday, an additional 1,000 food packs were sent to Camalig town and were directly distributed to the barangays (villages) of Sua and Tampa.

Recognizing the urgent need for safe water and sanitation in the affected areas, Sorsogon Governor Edwin Hamor also deployed two water trucks, a water filtration machine, and a specialized water and sanitation unit to provide clean drinking water to displaced residents.

In addition, two fire trucks were dispatched to help clear the thick volcanic ash from major roads and public spaces.

In Guinobatan, the food packs were given out fairly and efficiently using a priority list from Mayor Ann Gemma Ongjoco.

Families in these barangays received the following number of packs: Masarawag (1,522), Muladbucad Grande (858), Muladbucad Pequeño (737), Bubulusan (522), Doña Tomasa (510), Inascan (497), and San Jose (346).

According to the Sorsogon Provincial Information Office (SPIO), the mission was carried out quickly through the teamwork of Governor Hamor and Albay Governor Noel Rosal. The Sorsogon Police Provincial Office also helped by providing staff to repack and deliver the goods.

“This mission is a testament to Sorsogon’s commitment to our neighbors in Albay,” said SPIO Chief Dong Mendoza.

“In times of disaster, regional cooperation is vital to ensuring that no community is left behind,” he added. (PIA Bicol/Sorsogon)

Personnel from Sorsogon provincial government prepare for a relief mission in Albay on May 4, 2026. Their mission involved delivering 5,000 food packs and operating specialized water filtration systems and fire trucks to assist communities in Guinobatan and Camalig, the towns most affected by ashfall from the Mayon Volcano. (Photo from Sorsogon Provincial Information Office)