Country: Philippines Source: CARE CARE Philippines, Manila, May 7, 2026 — Thousands of people across the Philippines are facing renewed uncertainty after volcanic activity increased in Albay Province and a 6. 1 magnitude earthquake in Eastern Samar struck within days, forcing families from their homes and deepening humanitarian needs. On May 2, Mayon Volcano experienced increased activity, sending out dangerous flows of hot ash and thick ashfall that led to evacuations in parts of Albay. As of the latest reports, more than 1, 400 families remain displaced and are staying in evacuation centers or with host families in difficult situations. Separately, on May 4 at 2: 09 p. m. local time, a 6. 1 magnitude earthquake struck near San Julian, Eastern Samar, causing strong shaking across parts of Samar Island and neighboring provinces. While no casualties have been confirmed by the authorities, damage assessments and aftershock monitoring continue. “In both earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, people’s safety, dignity, and emotional well-being must come first, ” said Reiza Dejito, Country Director of CARE Philippines. “For women and girls, displacement can bring additional risks, including loss of privacy, increased care responsibilities, disrupted access to health services, and protection concerns. Humanitarian responses must listen to them, understand their priorities, and ensure that support reaches those most at risk. ” CARE Philippines is committed to working with local actors, including local government units, community-based organizations, women-led groups, civil society partners, and affected communities themselves. CARE’s approach prioritizes locally led action, ensuring that response efforts build on local knowledge, strengthen community leadership, and support solutions that are appropriate, inclusive, and sustainable. “Local actors are the first to respond and often the last to leave, ” added Dejito. “CARE’s role is to stand with them, strengthen their efforts, and help ensure that assistance is inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the realities of women, girls, and the most affected communities. ” Mark Yaung, emergency coordinator of CARE Philippines emphasized that for displaced families, their wellbeing depends on meeting everyday needs. “Access to food, clean water, safe shelter, health supplies, and cash support helps families stabilize, reduce stress, and begin rebuilding their lives with dignity”, he said. CARE Philippines has confirmed that all staff and partners are safe and continues to monitor both situations closely in coordination with local authorities and partners. CARE remains ready to support psychosocial assistance, protection measures, and essential support—including food, water, and livelihood assistance— as needs grow. ### For media inquiries, please contact: Mary Therese L. Norbe CARE Philippines Communications Specialist (English, Filipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon) marytherese. norbe@care. org 09199117534 Note to Editors: Mayon Volcano is located in Albay Province, Bicol Region; Eastern Samar is in Eastern Visayas, several hundred kilometers away. There is no scientific link between the volcanic activity and the earthquake. CARE Philippines has been doing humanitarian and development work in the Philippines since 1949. Today, CARE Philippines is one of the leading humanitarian NGOs in the Philippines fighting poverty and delivering life-saving assistance to [MM1] communities most-at-risk from impacts of disasters, climate change, and social inequality. [MM1] Do you have a standard boiler plate that you use?
CARE highlights stress, displacement, and well-being concerns after Mayon eruption, earthquake in the Philippines
RELATED ARTICLES
