Timely Mayon volcano response

The volcanic activity of Mayon is no joke and the residents around the volcano were forced to evacuate. The immediate evacuation was made through the efforts of the local government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines who lost no time to assure the residents were safe. They will experience some inconvenience, but it is better than being a victim, worse a casualty if Mayon suddenly erupts.

Because of the calamities and tragedies that our country experienced in the past due to typhoons, earthquakes, mud/landslides and conflict causing the displacement of people, we all have learned our lessons. Our weather bureau, our Phivolcs, the NDRRMC, other agencies and organization/volunteers, foundations, have put their act together to better respond to nature’s uncertainties. Better, the people themselves have armed themselves for the worst, with survival kits and other needs when the time comes, and their voluntary evacuation even without government prodding.

If Mayon erupts, it will be another major devastation. If we can’t go against nature, let us start being kind to it. Let’s start from ourselves by helping protect it, especially in the provinces and the hinterlands, and were earthquake and typhoon belts, and inundation are present. Let’s love nature because it nurtures us. If we keep on abusing it, these devastations will increase and we will all be victims.

Let’s help one another and support government programs that are intended for our well-being. — Marianita Sandoval, Catanduanes