Albay Government Spends P1.2 Million Daily for Evacuees

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 30, 2009-The provincial government spends at least P1.2 million daily for the upkeep of over 10,000 families who lived in evacuation centers for the past 17 days, since Mayon Volcano began belching ash and lava more than two weeks ago.

This, according to Albay Governor Jose Sarte Salceda, as he acknowledged the donations received by the Provincial Disaster Management Office from various local and international donors.

But he said the provincial government cannot fully account for donations made by individuals, families and corporations to various Manila-based institutions raising funds and goods for Albay's 47,563 evacuees housed in 29 evacuation centers.

"We have declared an open city and we encourage institutions to help," he said.

The provincial government is also maximizing what it has in its possession and what could be mobilized from other sectors.

Salceda said they have used the military, police and other government personnel to convince people that they have to be evacuated to ensure their safety.

"It is good for the community because business confidence would remain high as businessmen would go on with their business while we take care of the evacuees' concerns," Salceda said. He said this is what 'zero casualty' means.

The governor said Mayon unrest has a 'calming effect' as no significant increase in criminal incidents has been noted.

Albay Provincial Director Police Sr. Supt. William Macavinta disclosed that they have not observed an upsurge in criminal activities during the past two weeks. (Melo M. Acuna)