The Albay Provincial Health Office convened a coordination meeting to streamline the province’s medical response as Mayon Volcano continues to exhibit heightened unrest.
The meeting was held following the elevation of the volcano’s alert status by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, prompting the Department of Health Bicol to maintain a Code White Alert across all provincial, district, and municipal hospitals.
Acting Albay Provincial Health Officer Dr. Estela B. Zenit led the discussions to ensure health facilities are prepared for possible patient surges and evacuation-related medical needs.
Public and private stakeholders participated to align disaster response protocols and improve inter-agency coordination.
Participants included the Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development, the Provincial Department of Health Office, the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center, the Philippine Red Cross, Mercury Drug, private health institutions, and provincial government-managed hospitals.
Health officials reported the prepositioning of essential medicines, protective equipment, and medical supplies to address health risks from ashfall and possible pyroclastic density currents.
Authorities also urged the public to strictly follow health and safety advisories as volcanic activity remains elevated.
The Provincial Health Office said it remains on full alert to ensure the resilience and readiness of Albay’s healthcare system amid the continuing threat posed by Mayon Volcano.
Source: Albay PIO