The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) placed its Bicol regional office on full alert as Mayon Volcano’s unrest continues under Alert Level 3, assuring sufficient relief stockpiles and standby funds for affected families.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said ₱132.59 million worth of resources are available at Field Office 5, including 111,164 family food packs, 16,580 ready-to-eat food boxes, and 15,746 non-food items.
“Patuloy po na mino-monitor ng ating mga Quick Response Teams at mga Social Welfare and Development Officers ang sitwasyon ng Mayon Volcano sa Albay in coordination sa ating mga national disaster agencies. Nag-deploy na rin tayo ng mga DRMG staff sa potentially affected populations within the six-kilometer danger zone ng bulkan para umagapay sa ating designated evacuation centers,” Dumlao said.
Relief supplies have been prepositioned in 23 warehouses across the region, with continuous replenishment through local government units. PHIVOLCS raised Mayon’s alert to Level 3 after pyroclastic density currents were observed, signaling increased risk of hazardous eruption.
“As per the data ng ating Field Office sa Bicol, 122 families or 601 persons mula sa Guinobatan, Camalig at iba pang barangay sa Albay ang apektado ng bulkang Mayon. Ongoing na rin ang pagpapalikas sa mga residenteng nakatira within the six-kilometer danger zone,” Dumlao added.
Mobile kitchens, a command center, and water systems are on standby. Dumlao said DSWD is acting under the directive of Secretary Rex Gatchalian to coordinate closely with disaster councils and LGUs to ensure residents’ safety.