A lava collapse at Mayon Volcano in Albay Province generated a pyroclastic density current (PDC) on its southwestern slopes (Mi-si Gully) at 11:22 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The agency said the activity produced a volcanic plume that reached about 4,000 meters above mean sea level and lasted until around 11:37 a.m. 

PHIVOLCS explained that PDCs are fast-moving, extremely hot mixtures of volcanic gas, ash, and rock fragments that flow down volcanic slopes or spread outward from a vent. 

In addition, 35 volcanic earthquakes were recorded over the past 24 hours from 12 a.m. on May 12 to 12 a.m. on May 13, including 26 volcanic tremors lasting around 7 to 84 minutes, along with 350 rockfalls, and 7 PDC signals. 

The volcano has remained under Alert Level 3 since January 6, indicating a high level of volcanic unrest and continued possibility of hazardous eruptions. Entry into a 6-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and flying any aircraft near the volcano are still strictly prohibited.

On May 5, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that 55,590 families, or 199,367 individuals, have been affected by the ongoing activity of Mayon Volcano across 124 barangays in the province, according to OCD deputy spokesperson Diego Mariano. 

Of these, 1,444 families or 5,459 individuals are currently staying at the evacuation centers, while 26 families of 85 individuals are receiving assistance outside the evacuation centers.

Amid continuous volcanic unrest from Mayon, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) released P4.47 million in emergency cash assistance to 437 affected farmers in the province on Wednesday. Each farmer received P10,230 through the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program, according to the administrative aide of the DSWD Disaster Response Management Division, Fancia Domingo. Beneficiaries are from the villages of Mabinit, Bogña, Matanag, Buyuan, Padang, and Pinaric.

On the same day, the Department of Agriculture in Bicol (DA-5) began distributing aid under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) program, providing P2,325 in cash assistance to 2,890 beneficiaries from the province's municipalities. According to DA-5 Bicol agricultural program coordinating officer, Florentino Obalde Jr., the beneficiaries include 1,717 farmers, from Bacacay, 333 from Malilipot, and 840 from Santo Domingo. He added that by the end of May, more than 38,000 farmers are expected to be aided by the program.

Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed and follow safety precautions. 

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