In a swift response to the escalating situation, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office has announced plans to dispatch an additional 1,000 family tents to the Bicol Regional Office. This move comes as authorities brace for the possible escalation of the Mayon volcano alert level.
Currently, the DSWD Field Office V has 400 family tents readily available, some of which have been allocated to 62 families from Barangay Lidong. These families were recently relocated to Barangay Sohoton in Sto. Domingo town, Albay province. However, an inspection conducted by DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio revealed that the evacuees’ temporary shelters, made of light materials and situated along the road, pose significant risks, particularly to children.
In light of this discovery, Director Laurio has coordinated with Sto. Domingo Mayor Jun Aguas to secure a safer location for the displaced families. The DSWD Field Office V will provide laminated sacks and additional family tents to facilitate the reconstruction of temporary houses for the 62 families from Barangay Lidong.
Addressing the concerns, DSWD Assistant Secretary Marlon Alagao of the Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG) has reassured the Bicol Regional Office of an imminent delivery of 1,000 family tents. Asst. Secretary Alagao emphasized the need for proper hygiene facilities in the tent city, urging coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) for potential provision of additional portalets (portable toilets), if required.
Director Laurio assured Asst. Secretary Alagao that the DSWD Field Office V, with the assistance of non-government organizations (NGOs), has already supplied the 62 families with essential non-food items, including hygiene, sleeping, and family kits. Furthermore, potable water is being provided by local government units (LGUs), and in case of immediate needs, the evacuees have been provided with 6-liter bottled water.
Meanwhile, DSWD Secretary REX Gatchalian has issued directives for the delivery of a second wave of family food packs (FFPs) to both evacuees and families affected by the Mayon volcano eruption. These food packs will cover the period from July 2 to July 17, ensuring that those affected receive the necessary sustenance during this challenging time.
