Albay restricts tourism activities around Mayon

MANILA, Philippines – As Mount Mayon’s activity increases, the provincial government of Albay imposed restrictions on tourism-related activities around the volcano on Wednesday, September 17.

Several tourism-related activities within the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and the 8-km Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) have been ordered stopped by the Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

These activities include:

• ATV ride activities going toward Mayon
• Climbing/trekking
• Golfing at the Doña Pepita Golf Course

The ban also covers other recreational or exploratory activities within the danger zones.

Meanwhile, with the expected influx of visitors who would want to see a volcanic eruption, the PDRRMC has identified several “safe” vantage points. They are at the following places:

• Ligñon Hill, Legazpi City
• Cagsawa Ruins Park, Daraga
• Daraga Church, Daraga
• Legazpi City Boulevard
• Taysan Hills, Legazpi City
• Quituinan Hills, Camalig

These vantage points are all outside the danger zones.

At least 52 barangays (villages) in the cities and towns surrounding the volcano have been put under a state of calamity by Albay Governor Joey Salceda on Tuesday, after the volcano, admired worldwide for its perfect cone, started showing signs of a potential eruption on Monday, September 15.

The province has implemented mandatory evacuation for residents inside the PDZ, while “assisted” evacuation is in effect for residents in the EDZ.

Despite the imminent disaster, locals involved in the tourist industry are expecting a mini-boom in their business, with the volcano’s nighttime eruptions providing the main draw. – Rappler.com