Tabaco City:Albay The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) is continuing its efforts to provide humanitarian aid to 525 families, comprising 1,729 individuals, who have been displaced due to the ongoing activity of Mayon Volcano.
According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Bicol Disaster Response and Management Division chief Claudio Villareal stated that 517 families, or 1,714 individuals, remain in 11 evacuation centers, while eight families, totaling 15 individuals, are temporarily staying with relatives. Since October 30, DSWD Bicol has distributed assistance valued at PHP3.47 million.
The aid provided includes 768 drinking-water supplies, 3,815 family food packs (FFPs), and 768 ready-to-eat food (RTEF) packs. Additionally, the agency has distributed eight information boards, eight signages, and eight gender-based violence referral pathways to the evacuation centers.
In Tabaco City, 152 internally displaced families in four evacuation centers received one RTEF pack each and 6.6 liters of bottled water. Moreover, 220 FFPs were distributed to evacuees from several villages across Tabaco City.
In Camalig, displaced families staying at Tagaytay Elementary School and the Camalig Bungkaras Evacuation Center received 167 FFPs. Similarly, in Malilipot town, 404 RTEF packs, 6.6 liters of distilled water, and 91 FFPs were distributed to families from San Roque and Calbayog villages.
To enhance the response efforts, DSWD Bicol has elevated its Emergency Operations Center to Red Alert status and activated Quick Response Teams for improved monitoring, coordination, and relief operations. Villareal emphasized the agency's ongoing coordination with local government units and response partners to ensure timely assistance and protection for affected families.
Mayon Volcano's activity has prompted the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to raise its alert level to Alert Level 3, indicating an increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption. The public has been warned about the potential for lava flow and hazardous pyroclastic density currents affecting the volcano's upper to middle slopes.
