LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY (PIA) – Lava effusion from Mayon Volcano’s crater continues for eight straight weeks as reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). Since June this year, the glowing lava lighting up the volcano’s summit has been a nightly spectacle as it towers over the dark skies.
These nightly glows, along with occasional ash puffs and rockfalls have become added attractions that draw more tourists in the province, said the Albay Provincial Tourism, Culture, and Arts Office (PTCAO).
Visitors can freely and safely view the nightly spectacle of glowing lava oozing down Mayon Volcano’s crater from the Daraga Church in Daraga Albay. This spot is 12.01 kms away from Mayon. (PIA5 photo)
“Our office recorded a higher number of visitors for the first quarter this year compared to the same period last year. We have a 22% increase in same-day visitors and 5% in tourist arrivals,” PTCAO Chief Dorothy Colle said.
Mayon’s activities have become clearly visible after the escalation to Alert Level 3 on June 5. From 53,902 same-day tourists in June last year, it has spiked to 94,075 this year. Tourist arrival also increased from 75,458 to 81,993.
Colle said same-day visitors usually came from neighboring provinces for a day trip or a few hours of visit while tourist arrivals are those who stayed in accommodation facilities for at least 24 hours.
Safe spots
The Cagsawa Ruins Park in barangay Busay in Daraga, Albay is still one of the commonly visited safe spots to marvel at Mayon’s majestic beauty.
“Visitors in Cagsawa Ruins increased to 300 -500 this June since the escalation to alert level 3, compared to 150-200 visitors in the previous months,” Colle said.
She added that the stores also extended their business hours to accommodate the influx of visitors. Accommodation facilities also reported the frequent request of clients for rooms with a view of Mayon.
