DSWD eyes distribution of cash aid to families affected by Mayon unrest
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is considering giving cash assistance to families affected by Mayon Volcano’s ongoing unrest.
According to DSWD Secretary Rex T. Gatchalian, the plan to distribute cash aid aims to empower individuals and families displaced by volcanic activity in Albay.
“We can empower them with the right to choose. You give them cash, they can go to their grocers to buy their family needs,” the DSWD chief said in a television interview on Monday, June 13.
Gatchalian said the cash assistance will assist affected families in purchasing other needs, such as powdered milk for older persons and infants, which is not included in the DSWD’s family food packs.
As “disasters are crisis situations,” he said, the cash aid will come from the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.
Mayon Volcano spews ash and lava as seen from Legazpi City, Albay on June 11, 2023. The province of Albay was placed under state of calamity due to the threat of volcanic eruption. (ALI VICOY/MANILA BULLETIN)
The DSWD reported 9,338 families or 36,814 people from 26 barangays in Albay affected by Mayon’s volcanic activity as of June 12. Its Bicol regional office is also constantly monitoring the situation of the affected families in the various evacuation centers in Albay. On June 12, DSWD Field Office V (FO V) Director Norman Laurio inspected four evacuation centers in Daraga City, where a number of deficiencies were discovered but were promptly addressed. DSWD FO V immediately ordered the delivery of 69 sleeping and hygiene kits for the newly arrived additional evacuees at Gabawan Elementary School. Laurio worked with the local Bureau of Fire Protection to arrange for the immediate deployment of a fire truck to provide water to evacuees staying at the Budiao Elementary School. Through the intervention of the FO V, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce was asked to provide 500 bottles of six-liter distilled water to the evacuees at San Andres Elementary School.
Mayon Volcano spews ash and lava as seen from Legazpi City, Albay on June 11, 2023. The province of Albay was placed under state of calamity due to the threat of volcanic eruption. (ALI VICOY/MANILA BULLETIN)
The DSWD reported 9,338 families or 36,814 people from 26 barangays in Albay affected by Mayon’s volcanic activity as of June 12. Its Bicol regional office is also constantly monitoring the situation of the affected families in the various evacuation centers in Albay. On June 12, DSWD Field Office V (FO V) Director Norman Laurio inspected four evacuation centers in Daraga City, where a number of deficiencies were discovered but were promptly addressed. DSWD FO V immediately ordered the delivery of 69 sleeping and hygiene kits for the newly arrived additional evacuees at Gabawan Elementary School. Laurio worked with the local Bureau of Fire Protection to arrange for the immediate deployment of a fire truck to provide water to evacuees staying at the Budiao Elementary School. Through the intervention of the FO V, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce was asked to provide 500 bottles of six-liter distilled water to the evacuees at San Andres Elementary School.