Sorsogon: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday assured Bicolanos it is ready to respond if the restiveness of Mt. Bulusan continues and intensifies.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) announced that over 180,000 family food packs (FFPs) have been prepositioned at the DSWD Field Office 5-Bicol Region. Of these, more than 25,000 boxes of FFPs are stationed in Sorsogon province, prepared for immediate distribution to families potentially affected by the volcanic activity.

Upon receiving initial reports of the incident, DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio directed disaster teams to remain vigilant and monitor the situation closely. Laurio is also en route to the affected areas to oversee the situation personally and coordinate with local government units (LGUs) to ensure assistance is provided to residents.

Reports indicate that the initial areas impacted by Mt. Bulusan’s activity include the municipalities of Juban, Irosin, and Casiguran. The Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised Alert Level 1 over Mt. Bulusan, establishing a permanent danger zone within a four-kilometer radius.

Dumlao confirmed that no evacuations have been recommended yet, but the DSWD Field Office is committed to ensuring the uninterrupted provision of aid to affected families. Continuous coordination with LGUs and Phivolcs is underway to receive regular updates as assessments of the affected areas progress.

The DSWD official urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices to prioritize safety.