More than 4,000 people remain in evacuation centers across the Bicol region as Mayon Volcano stayed under Alert Level 3 on Monday, with authorities reporting continued volcanic activity and ongoing relief operations.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said 1,115 families, or 4,055 individuals, are still housed in 12 evacuation centers, while more than 6,000 people have been affected overall by the volcano’s unrest.

“As of 6pm po ng January 25, may 1,115 families pa po ang nasa sa loob ng mga evacuation centers at mayroong 17 na pamilya naman ang ninais na manatili muna sa kanilang mga kamag-anak. Umabot na po sa 6,363 individuals ang apektado ng patuloy na pag-alburoto ng Bulkang Mayon, pero sa kabila niyan hindi naman po tumitigil ang ating mga DSWD Angel’s in Red Vests sa pagbisita sa mga evacuation centers, at sa pag-iikot sa mga apektadong munisipalidad,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said.

A bulletin from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that from midnight to noon Monday, 13 volcanic earthquakes and one ongoing tremor were recorded. The agency also logged 229 rockfall events and 45 pyroclastic density currents over a 24-hour period.

PHIVOLCS said lava dome growth and lava flow effusion continue, accompanied by episodic minor strombolian activity. Sulfur dioxide emissions reached 1,221 tons, while volcanic plumes rose up to 700 meters above the crater and drifted in several directions.

With Alert Level 3 in effect, authorities reiterated that entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone and unguarded entry into the Extended Danger Zone remain prohibited, along with flights near the volcano.

Meanwhile, the DSWD said its Field Office 5 in Bicol continues to assist internally displaced residents, launching the second phase of its relief operations with the distribution of family food packs. The agency said 5,665 boxes of food packs will be delivered to affected barangays in Tabaco City, Malilipot, Camalig and nearby municipalities. A first phase of assistance on 4 January sustained the food needs of 1,127 displaced families for 15 days.

On 25 January, the DSWD also conducted a children’s play activity at the San Antonio Evacuation Center in Barangay Soon, Tabaco City, as part of its psychosocial support efforts. Fifteen children participated in the activity.

“Sa ganitong panahon ng sakuna kinakailangan din na mawala yung pangamba at lungkot sa ating mga kababayan lalo na ng ating mga kabataan,” Dumlao said.

“Kaya ang utos po sa atin ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian, bukod sa provision ng basic needs, pwede pong magtayo ng mga ganitong maliliit na programa para sa mga bata,” she added.