The Department of Education in Albay has established contingency plans for the ongoing Palarong Panlalawigan 2026 (provincial athletic games), prioritizing athletes’ safety amid Mayon Volcano’s unrest.

All 15 competition venues are outside the volcano’s eight-kilometer extended danger zone.

Christopher Simon San Diego, DepEd-Albay disaster risk reduction project officer, outlined ashfall response protocols during Tuesday press conference.

“The Albay Provincial Sports Complex is not affected by pyroclastic density currents and lava flows, so our main concern is ashfall,” San Diego said.

The guidelines specify actions based on ashfall severity: light ashfall requires masks and limited outdoor exposure; moderate ashfall triggers temporary suspension of outdoor events; and heavy ashfall mandates an immediate halt to all activities.

San Diego said DepEd is coordinating with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and has safety inspectors at venues. Medical teams will be on alert for respiratory issues.

Nearly 2,000 athletes, coaches and officials are participating in Palarong Panlalawigan, which runs until Jan. 31. (PNA)