Tuesday, October 10, 2023
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Bicol region has successfully coordinated the safe return of more than 2,000 Mayon evacuees who had been residing in temporary shelters for nearly four months due to heightened volcanic activity from the Mayon Volcano.
The Provincial Government of Albay made the decision to allow the evacuees to return to their homes following a significant decrease in the volcano’s activity.
The DSWD Field Office 5 in the Bicol region played a pivotal role in the decampment process, assisting 2,106 families from the municipalities of Malilipot, Tabaco, and Camalig. As part of their support, the field office distributed family food packs (FFPs) to ensure that returning families had sufficient food for their households.
Prior to their return, the Bicol regional office provided the seventh wave of food assistance to the affected local government units (LGUs) between September 25 and October 9. Additionally, the second installment of emergency cash transfers will be distributed to the affected families, irrespective of their return, as part of DSWD’s early recovery programs.
However, there are still 189 families in Camalig who are unable to return home due to their proximity to the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone. The DSWD Field Office 5 remains committed to collaborating with the Camalig Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office to monitor these families who will continue to stay in evacuation centers. The DSWD is prepared to provide them with ongoing support, including food, non-food relief items, and cash assistance, until the situation in Albay further improves.
The collaborative efforts of the DSWD, the Provincial Government of Albay, and the affected LGUs have contributed to the successful return of many evacuees, while ensuring that those in the most vulnerable areas remain supported and safe during this challenging time.
Tags: Philippines, Volcano
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