Where Ash and Aid Meet: CARE Philippines Responds to Mayon’s Human Cost

When a volcano stirs, its rhythms are measured not just by seismic charts and lava glows but in the footsteps of families who rise from sleep, gather their children and belongings, and step into uncertainty. Such is the current reality around Mayon Volcano in Albay, Philippines, where heightened volcanic activity has driven thousands from their homes and placed humanitarian needs at the heart of the ongoing crisis. Amid this, CARE Philippines — guided by Country Director Reiza S. Dejito — has emphasised a concerted response to support displaced families, particularly the most vulnerable among them.

Mayon’s recent escalation to Alert Level 3, driven by visible lava flows, collapsing summit materials and increasing volcanic unrest, has prompted authorities to evacuate residents within danger zones and prepare neighboring communities for the possibility of more significant activity. This unrest has forced thousands into evacuation centres as local authorities carry out protective orders and disaster risk reduction measures.

In this challenging context, CARE Philippines has underscored the human dimension of volcanic crises — not just the physical danger, but the disruption to daily life, livelihoods and basic wellbeing that emerge when communities flee their homes. The organisation has called attention to the urgent needs for essential supplies such as food, clean water, shelter and safe sanitation, while also acknowledging the particular vulnerabilities facing women, girls and other at‑risk groups who may face heightened health, safety and psychosocial concerns in displacement settings.

Under the leadership of Reiza S. Dejito, CARE’s response aims to complement government action by coordinating with local partners and authorities to ensure that relief reaches those most affected. This includes working alongside disaster response teams, community networks and humanitarian partners to support evacuees in evacuation centres and mitigate the secondary impacts of an extended crisis.

For many evacuees, what is at stake extends beyond immediate shelter. Families uprooted by Mayon’s unrest face interrupted livelihoods, disrupted children’s routines and the emotional strain of uncertainty as they live away from their homes. CARE’s focus on holistic assistance — including water, food, hygiene, shelter and psychosocial care — reflects a broader commitment to fostering resilience and dignity even in upheaval.

The situation around Mayon is evolving. With volcanic activity remaining unstable and the potential for further escalation not ruled out by scientists, the humanitarian response must keep pace with changing needs. CARE Philippines’ stance — rooted in both compassion and coordination — echoes a fundamental truth: in the face of natural unrest, the measure of resilience is not just how well communities survive the eruption itself, but how they are supported to rebuild lives afterward.

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Sources CARE Philippines responds to Mt. Mayon eruption’s impact on thousands in the Philippines — News Minimalist summary. Mayon under Alert Level 3 due to volcanic unrest — Philippine Star reporting. Local evacuation orders amid increased Mayon activity — Philippine Star.