As Mount Bulusan continues to show heightened volcanic activity, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), led by Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno and under the guidance of Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., is closely coordinating with national and local agencies to deliver a swift and unified response. This effort reflects the whole-of-government approach mandated by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., emphasizing interagency coordination in disaster preparedness and response to safeguard the lives and welfare of affected communities in Sorsogon.
Undersecretary Nepomuceno has directed the immediate deployment of critical relief items, including 1,500 hygiene kits and 10,000 N95 masks, which were successfully delivered and turned over to local authorities last night. These provisions are crucial for protecting residents from health hazards caused by ashfall and other eruption-related risks. This rapid mobilization is a testament to the administration’s commitment to efficient and compassionate disaster response.
To ensure accurate and timely situational awareness, Undersecretary Nepomuceno has ordered Region 5 OCD to submit daily reports and maintain close coordination with local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs). OCD is also working with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH) to distribute food packs and medical supplies to displaced families. Support is being extended to local government units for ashfall clearing operations, especially along major thoroughfares such as the Maharlika Highway. Evacuation protocols are on standby should the alert level escalate further.
“OCD has been actively helping our kababayan in Sorsogon. We’re doing everything we can to ensure that those affected are cared for with urgency and compassion,” said Undersecretary Nepomuceno.
On the evening of April 29, around 9:00 PM, residents of Barangay Cogon in Irosin, Sorsogon, began evacuating to designated centers following Mount Bulusan’s eruption. Local authorities swiftly launched rescue and relief operations. According to the Sorsogon Provincial Information Office, approximately 93,258 individuals across eight municipalities have been affected as of this morning, with evacuations and relief efforts ongoing.
Currently, 59 families are housed in evacuation centers—25 at Irosin Evacuation Center and 34 at Gallanosa National High School. PHIVOLCS reports that ashfall has impacted 19 barangays across Juban, Irosin, and Bulan, with 66 volcanic earthquakes recorded within the past 24 hours.
Sorsogon Governor Boboy Hamor personally visited evacuation centers to check on the wellbeing of displaced residents from Barangay Cogon. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s support and close collaboration with the municipality of Irosin. The governor also inspected ash-clearing operations along major roads, assuring residents that their safety remains a top priority.
In the interest of public safety, the Municipal DRRMOs of Casiguran and Juban have temporarily closed all tourist spots and resorts within their areas of responsibility, especially those within the 6-kilometer danger zone.
The government remains vigilant and committed to assisting affected communities. Through the whole-of-government approach, Undersecretary Nepomuceno and partner agencies continue to deliver timely aid, ensuring community safety, recovery, and long-term resilience amid this challenging time.