Marc Nelson visits Mayon-affected families in Albay

World Vision Ambassador for Disaster Risk Reduction, Marc Nelson, recently visited evacuation centers in Guinobatan, Albay to learn more about the situation of families and children as Mayon volcano continues to spew lava and ashes since January 13.

The evacuees, who have been living in the evacuation center for more than two weeks now, were awed to see a celebrity in their midst.

“We’re happy to see him in person! We seldom see celebrities here,” Crystal, 14, says, raising her cellphone to take a photo of Marc.

Marc, who arrived yesterday morning, along with World Vision National Resource Director, Jun Godornes, also helped distribute hygiene kits and other non-food items such as mats and blankets to affected families.

 

“Had such a full and productive day distributing relief goods with World Vision to evacuees of the Mayon Volcano eruptions. We distributed basic supplies like hygiene kits, mats, blankets and mosquito nets to 2,000 families (approximately 10,000 individuals). Whilst this will definitely help them cope being away from their homes, they could definitely use some more bathrooms, toilets and temporary classrooms, as the schools themselves are being used as the shelters,” Marc shares on his Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Cesar Bautista, World Vision Mayon Emergency Response manager, describes, “The energy in the evacuation centers was amazing. They were all excited to see Marc. The families were also happy to receive hygiene kits and other non-food items. I am happy to see these people happy.”

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council data showed that more than 21,000 families or 83,000 individuals are affected.  Many of these families have been living in evacuation centers, where between 15-30 families share a room.

Mayon volcano is still on alert level 4 to warn residents that a hazardous Mayon eruption is imminent within days.

Marc also paid a courtesy visit to Guinobatan Mayor Ann Gemma Ongjoco to know more about the local government plans and action for the evacuees, especially the children, whose classes have been postponed.

World Vision’s development works are in several communities in Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte.World Vision/February 2, 2018

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