Despite the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano, the Albay Provincial Tourism, Culture and the Arts Office (PTCAO) assured on Friday that the province remains safe and open to tourists, provided safety guidelines are strictly followed.
In an interview on Friday, PTCAO chief Dorothy Colle said the provincial government continues to balance visitor safety with the livelihood of communities dependent on tourism by closely monitoring the situation and issuing timely advisories.
“For those planning to visit Albay, the first priority is to make sure that your destination is safe. You may contact the Provincial Tourism Office through our official page or hotline for verified information,” Colle said.
Colle urged travelers to verify the safety of their planned destinations, noting that all tourist sites within the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) are temporarily closed, including the Green Lava Trail, Black Lava Trail, Mayon Skyline and Mayon Volcano Natural Park.
To ensure public safety, designated viewing areas are located beyond the 8-kilometer danger zone.
PTCAO has also identified several safe viewing spots across Legazpi City, Daraga, Camalig, Ligao City, Sto. Domingo, Tiwi, Tabaco City, Malilipot and Guinobatan, where visitors can safely admire Mayon’s activity.
In Legazpi City, notable spots include Legazpi Boulevard, Sawangan Park, Legazpi Highlands, Kalayaan Park and the Our Lady of Salvacion Giant Statue.
In Daraga, Albay, areas that can be explored include the Cagsawa Ruins Park, Farm Plate, Daraga Church and the National Museum.
Camalig offers Solong Eco Park, Quituinan Hill, Quitinday Greenhills, Sumlang Lake, and Quituinan Ranch.
Ligao City features Mt. Masaraga the Campsite, Paayahayan sa Bulod, Kawa-Kawa Hill, Bambusetum, and Divine Mercy Monastery Church, along with Hobbit Hill and Ilah Nature Park.
In Sto. Domingo, Albay, attractions include the Black Sand Beaches of Sto. Domingo and Mirisbiris Nature Garden Center and Agua’s Farm.
Tiwi, Albay, offers Black Sand Beaches of Tiwi. In Tabaco City, visitors can find Tabaco Port and St. John the Baptist Church.
Malilipot, Albay, offers Gamboa’s Orchard, while Guinobatan features Camp Gen. Simeon Ola Museum, Ohh Lala Spring Resort and Mayon Garden Resort.
Colle emphasized strict compliance with the no-entry policy within the PDZ, reminding tourists that safety must take precedence over curiosity.
“We in the tourism industry are aware that this phenomenon attracts visitors. It’s not every day that people get to witness what others describe as ‘fire in the sky.’ However, we strongly remind tourists and spectators to strictly comply with the no-entry policy within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone,” she said in Filipino.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines confirmed that Bicol International Airport remains fully operational, with heightened runway inspections due to the minimal presence of ash.
“Safety first,” Colle said, adding that beyond Mayon, Albay offers beaches, waterfalls, and heritage sites for visitors to enjoy. (PNA)
