The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has put forward a proposal to transform the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) around Mayon Volcano into a natural park.
The plan, which is currently under discussion, aims to explore the feasibility of this development project.
Over 20,000 individuals residing within the PDZ have already been evacuated due to the high-level unrest of Mayon Volcano.
OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized that the danger zone should not be inhabited in the first place.
If the proposal comes to fruition, he said the it would alleviate the burden of evacuating residents during volcanic activities
Moreover, it would aid local and national governments in effectively managing disaster response and relief funds.
Nepomuceno cited that among the challenges associated with ongoing evacuation are the need to provide sustenance to evacuees and the disruption to their education.
He said that these problems not only strains the resources of barangays, municipalities, and the national government but also poses logistical difficulties.
"Nakakapagod din talaga, tanggapin natin, na pag mag-evacuate, pakakainin natin sila, madi-disrupt yung pag-aaral nila. Madi-drain yung resources ng mga barangay, ng munisipyo, ng national government," he pointed out.
The proposal has received support from local government units affected by Mayon Volcano's unrest.
