Legazpi: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) announced that families impacted by the unrest of the Mayon Volcano are not required to present identification cards to obtain relief assistance at evacuation centers in Albay. This clarification comes as the region continues to navigate the challenges posed by the volcanic activity.

According to Philippine News Agency, DSWD Bicol Director Norman Laurio emphasized in a social media advisory that only the Family Access Card in Emergencies and Disasters (FACED) form is necessary for families to receive essential relief items. These items include family food packs, hygiene kits, and kitchen kits. The FACED form plays a crucial role in profiling affected families, generating sex- and age-disaggregated data, tracking the assistance provided, and ensuring precise reporting to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center. Furthermore, it aids in preventing the duplication of aid distribution.

Laurio clarified that government-issued IDs are mandatory only for financial assistance programs, such as emergency cash transfers, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, and Cash-for-Work. This requirement is part of standard verification procedures to ensure the accurate identification of beneficiaries. The advisory further stated, "In case you are asked for your national ID or any valid ID by your local government unit or barangay, it may be for verification or to match your FACED record. However, we clarify that DSWD does not require submission of IDs for relief goods."

Meanwhile, Claudio Villareal, chief of the Disaster Response Management Division, reported that nearly PHP8 million in government assistance has been provided to affected families. This aid includes 5,538 family food packs, 1,003 ready-to-eat food packs, 1,127 hygiene kits, and 1,127 sleeping kits.