Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has directed its field offices in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) and Bicol to preposition at least 100,000 family food packs per region due to the increasing unrest in the Mayon and Taal volcanoes.
Gatchalian said the DSWD is constantly preparing for any potential eruption, as the two volcanoes have been consistently exhibiting unrest over the past few days.
“We continue to stockpile to make sure that whatever happens, we are ready to augment the local government’s efforts. We know that in response, the frontline response is to be made by the local government, but if it is an overwhelming disaster, the national government must help. I assured the governor that we are ready and raring to help the local government,” Gatchalian said.
(DSWD Photo)
The quick response team of the DSWD Field Office V in the Bicol Region has already been activated to monitor developments in the Mayon volcano’s condition.
DSWD FO V Regional Director Norman Laurio visited the warehouses in the municipalities of Bogtong, Camalig, and Pawa to assess the family food packs in these areas and determine how these can be improved.
In addition, the DSWD FO V coordinated with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to use their warehouse should it be required.
The OCD committed to lend half of its warehouse, which has room for 16,000 family food packs, as well as its forklift.
The DSWD FO V personnel also went to the designated evacuation centers in the towns of Guinobatan, Camalig, and Daraga to make sure the infrastructures are in good condition.