PGMA is on top of Albay situation

Manila (28 December) — Malacañang today said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is closely monitoring and “is on top of preparations for the eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay.”

Cabinet Secretary Sylvestre Bello III said, “She wastes no time in asking us the actual situation. She even closely coordinates with the local crisis management committee on the situation of the evacuees in Albay and the updates on Mayon.”

“We are working full time in looking into the welfare of the people and the condition of the volcano,” he added.

Bello also urged politicians not to use the Albay situation for furthering their candidacies. “They should not interfere in Albay and use it for their political programs, in the guise of bringing food and relief items and then use it for photo ops with the residents,” he added.

“We are talking of the lives and the future of our people in Albay. Let us not mix it with politics,” Bello said.

Bello said government is taking care of the people of Albay because “we have the capability, the motivation.” He added Gov. Joey Salceda is also taking care of the welfare of his province mates “with utmost zeal and focus.”

The government, through the National Disaster Coordinating Council and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, are doing everything to take care of the safety and convenience of the people in Albay. (PIA)