Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda (Facebook)
Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda has warned the national government about the economic effects that the current restiveness of Mayon Volcano could bring. Salceda said that this early, some 5,000 farmers have already been affected by the ongoing evacuation efforts and volcanic activity. “So, apart from evacuation and relief support, we will need support with economic displacement. Cash-for-work will be crucial, because we will also need manpower to clean and maintain evacuation centers,” noted the economist-lawmaker. “I have already requested for DOLE-TUPAD support from Speaker [Martin] Romualdez, who has assured us that he will do whatever he can to provide what Albay needs to endure this situation. He has already given us very significant assistance. We are very thankful,” Salceda, chairman of House Committee on Ways and Means, said. Over the weekend, Romualdez announced the upcoming distribution of P10 million worth of payouts from the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (DOLE-TUPAD) program to the first three congressional districts of Albay. Salceda said that as of June 13, some 4,286 families or 15,241 individuals are staying in Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Santo Domingo, Malilipot, Bacacay towns and Ligao and Tabaco cities. He estimates that at least 9,829 families and at least 37,100 individuals will eventually have to be evacuated under the current alert levels. “[Department of Social Welfare and Development] Secretary [Rex] Gatchalian was the very first head of agency to assure us that they can manage a protracted situation. And we are very thankful. We welcome President Marcos’s visit because this situation will require more than just food relief," the Bicolano said. “This will also require economic displacement support from DOLE, medical, hygiene, and psychosocial support from DOH (Department of Health), police presence, emergency and water provision from DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government), among others. “We are working with the corporate sector now, to fill in whatever gaps can be filled. But, with PBBM (Presidemt Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.) directing the national effort, we are optimistic that Albay will get what we need," said Salceda.