LEGAZPI, Philippines — About 47,000 Filipinos who fled their homes in anticipation of the eruption of the Mayon volcano shared rations of noodles, fried fish and fruit to celebrate Christmas in evacuation centers. Children opened donated presents and clowns entertained the crowds as the government tried to keep the evacuees from slipping back to their homes.
The volcano has erupted nearly 40 times, but never has it happened during the Christmas celebration, when Filipinos gather with family and friends for traditional meals and songs.
“I have mixed feelings of sadness and happiness,” said vegetable vendor Estela Netuno, 38, who spent the holiday in an evacuation center with her siblings and 9-year-old son. “We should be home celebrating with the family, but we are here.”
She said the gifts of candies and toys that her son got from donors, the Christmas Eve dinner pack of noodles and fruits from the local government, and the fried fish and vegetables shared with fellow evacuees during the traditional midnight meal made them happy.
“If we were home and we could continue to earn a living, we could cook any food we want for Christmas,” she said.
Masses were celebrated Thursday night in evacuation centers. But the mood was subdued, with many opting to sleep before midnight.
Chief government volcanologist Renato Solidum warned that a hazardous eruption was possible within days as Mayon’s activities continue to escalate.
