Member agencies of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) Response Cluster led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Field Office (FO) V held a meeting to discuss updates on the status of the displaced families affected by the eruption of Mayon Volcano.

Yesterday, Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia provided information on the status of the DSWD response operation and assistance provided to Albay locals residing along the 9-kilometer extended danger zone (EDZ).

He said that the Department already delivered additional assistance worth P10.8 million which includes, 6,503 family food packs (FFPs), 6,500 dignity kits, 2,000 assorted toys, and 6,503 blankets to the local government of Albay.

In addition, the DSWD Central Office sent 19,500 FFPs to DSWD-Field Office V warehouse for augmentation support.

Based on today’s 6AM update,  14,483 families or 55,068 persons are taking temporary shelter in 59 evacuation centers while 1,395 families or 6,165 persons are staying with relatives in Camalig, Daraga, Malilipot, and Santo Domingo, Albay.

Emergency telecommunications equipment of the field office are also on standby and ready for deployment, if needed.

Moreover, the Field Office set up two tents at the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) for the possible influx of patients affected by the volcanic ash spewing from the volcano.

Meanwhile, DSWD Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Emmanuel A. Leyco reminded affected locals to report anomalies in the release of food packs such as missing contents and opened boxes.

“We encourage our affected residents to report any untoward incidents in the release of food packs or any form of violation such as missing food pack contents, and cases of buying and selling of food pack contents,” he said.

A DSWD food pack can sustain a family with five members for two to three days. Each DSWD Family Food Pack (FFP) box consists of 6 kilos of rice, 4 cans of sardines, 4 cans of corned beef, and 6 sachets of coffee .

Lastly, OIC Leyco said, “The Department is doing its best to provide the immediate needs of everyone affected by the Mayon eruption. We are closely working with the local government and the response cluster members to address the issues and concerns of displaced locals and to ensure that their rights are not violated. Active cooperation is also needed to maintain the safety and security of those in the evacuation centers, and to ensure that those who are taking shelter in them are adequately provided for. We also advise our kababayans in the areas where there is ash fall to continue wearing face masks when leaving the house and to keep their skin protected from the ash to prevent possible health issues from erupting. ” ###