As Mayon Volcano continues to stir, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has gone on full alert—moving swiftly to protect families living in harm’s way.
In the Bicol Region, where the volcano looms large, DSWD officials assure the public that help is ready.
Plenty of it.
According to DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response and Management Group, the agency’s Field Office 5 has enough relief supplies and standby funds to support families affected by the unrest.
Mayon is currently under Alert Level 3, signaling an increased risk of a hazardous eruption. With this, the DSWD has intensified its monitoring and response.
At the heart of the preparations is a ₱132.59 million relief fund, already in place and ready to be used. Stockpiles include more than 111,000 family food packs, 16,500 ready-to-eat food boxes, and nearly 16,000 non-food items such as hygiene kits and sleeping materials.
Behind the scenes, teams are working around the clock.
“Patuloy po na mino-monitor ng ating mga Quick Response Teams ang sitwasyon,” Dumlao said, noting that DSWD personnel have been deployed to communities within the six-kilometer danger zone. Their mission is clear—assist evacuees and support evacuation centers in close coordination with national disaster agencies.
Across the region, relief goods are already positioned in 23 warehouses, ensuring quick distribution when needed. Supplies stored by local government units are also being replenished to avoid shortages.
On Tuesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised Mayon’s alert status after observing pyroclastic density currents, locally known as “uson.” These fast-moving, hot clouds of ash and gas are among the most dangerous volcanic hazards.
PHIVOLCS warned that Alert Level 3 reflects a growing likelihood of a hazardous eruption.
Earlier this year, on January 1, the volcano was placed under Alert Level 2 due to increasing rockfall and swelling of the volcano’s structure—early signs of possible magma movement.
Now, authorities are also preparing for possible ashfall, which could affect areas south of the volcano, depending on wind conditions.
So far, 122 families—or 601 individuals—from Guinobatan, Camalig, and nearby barangays have already been affected. Preemptive evacuations are ongoing for residents living within the danger zone.
To strengthen its response, the DSWD has placed mobile kitchens, a mobile command center, and a mobile water system on standby—ready to roll out at a moment’s notice.
“Under the strict directive of Secretary Rex Gatchalian,” Dumlao said, “we are continuously coordinating with provincial disaster officials and local governments to ensure the safety of residents.”
As Mayon remains restless, one thing is certain—the DSWD is staying vigilant, prepared, and ready to respond, putting people first when it matters most.
