Tabaco City taps P18-M fund for Mayon evacuees

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- Tabaco City in Albay declared a state of calamity Tuesday due to heightened unrest at Mayon Volcano, allowing access to its PHP18 million quick response fund (QRF).

The city council approved the declaration on Jan. 20 through Resolution No. 9-250.

Mayor Rey Bragais said the disaster funds will be used for emergency measures and direct assistance to evacuees.

The city also plans to supplement Department of Social Welfare and Development food packs with fresh meat, vegetables and fish.

“We can now move and assist our internally displaced persons through our QRF,” Bragais said in a phone interview.

Tabaco City has evacuated 489 families, or 1,787 residents, from the volcano's six-kilometer permanent danger zone.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported increased activity Tuesday, including 272 volcanic earthquakes, 155 rockfalls and 44 pyroclastic density currents over 24 hours.

Sulfur dioxide emissions reached 1,221 tons Monday, with continued ground deformation.

Access remains prohibited within the danger zone. (PNA)

EVACUATION VISIT. Tabaco City Mayor Rey Bragais (right) checks on residents staying at San Antonio Evacuation Center on Saturday (Jan. 10, 2026) after they were displaced by restive Mayon Volcano. The city declared a state of calamity on Tuesday (Jan. 27) to access funds for evacuees. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Bragais FB page)