Malilipot: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the local government unit (LGU) of Malilipot, Albay have started the relocation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) staying in two public schools in the municipality to ensure a safer place for them amid Mayon Volcano's continued unrest.
According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) announced the collaboration between DSWD Field Office 5 - Bicol Region and the LGU of Malilipot to establish 131 tents in a newly-constructed Tent City. This initiative aims to provide more comfortable living conditions for the displaced families affected by Mayon Volcano's activity. More than 100 families residing at San Jose Elementary School and San Jose National High School have been relocated to the Tent City, ensuring a more private and decent living environment.
The relocation effort aligns with the Department of Education's (DepEd) protocol, which restricts the use of public schools as temporary evacuation centers to a maximum of 15 days. Dumlao emphasized that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. prioritizes uninterrupted student learning in affected areas. Therefore, relocating the IDPs from schools serves to resume the delayed classes in these educational institutions.
The DSWD remains committed to supporting affected communities by distributing family food packs (FFP) and has so far provided over PHP14.2 million in humanitarian aid to families impacted by the Mayon Volcano. To address the potential monotony of food packs, the DSWD has deployed a mobile kitchen offering hot and nutritious meals to the evacuees. Additionally, child-friendly psychosocial activities are conducted to help children manage stress during their stay in the evacuation centers.
To further aid the displaced individuals, the DSWD is implementing a cash-for-work (CFW) program at the Tent City, offering temporary livelihood opportunities. Beneficiaries of the CFW program engage in various community-based tasks, including road graveling, site cleaning, and basic facility repairs.
