Amid persistent ash emissions from Mayon Volcano, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) mobilized an environmental and humanitarian response team in Albay, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s orders for a whole-of-government approach in addressing the effects of the calamity, according to a Wednesday report.

In a report by RH 5 Val Gonzales, the Environmental Management Bureau Region 5 set up air quality monitoring stations in Legazpi City, Tabaco City, Ligao City, and the municipality of Guinobatan.

The air quality index (AQI) recorded in these areas reached an extraordinary high of 1,106 due to large amounts of particulate matter (PM) 10, or airborne particles such as ash and dust 10 micrometers or smaller, indicating extremely hazardous air conditions.

The bureau also deployed two Environmental-Beta Attenuator Monitoring (EBAM) devices, instruments used by the DENR to measure the amount of airborne ash, particularly PM10 and PM2.5.

The agency is also conducting water testing operations at rivers and reservoirs as part of efforts to secure supplies of safe drinking water.

Additionally, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 5 handed out 605-gallon water containers for families in evacuation centers.

DENR Bicol also provided 350,000 board feet of various volumes and 20 sacks of charcoal for the installation of portalets or portable toilets.

Moreover, they led an information campaign to teach locals about the proper and safe clearing and disposal of ash to safeguard the community’s as well as the environment’s safety.