DSWD moves Mayon evacuees to 'tent city' in Albay

The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Wednesday said it has begun relocating internally displaced persons staying in two public schools in Malilipot, Albay, in coordination with the local government unit.

DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the agency’s Field Office 5 is working closely with the Malilipot LGU to set up 131 tents for displaced families.

“Dahil nais po nating mabigyan ng mas kumportableng kundisyon ng pamumuhay ang mga displaced families na apektado ng pag-aalburoto ng Mayon, nagtulungan po ang DSWD Field Office (FO) 5 – Bicol Region at ang LGU ng Malilipot para mag-set up ng 131 tents sa newly-established Tent City ng munisipalidad,” Dumlao said.

More than 100 families previously staying at San Jose Elementary School and San Jose National High School were transferred to the newly established Tent City to provide a “more private, decent, and comfortable living space,” she said.

Dumlao added that the relocation also aims to avoid disrupting class schedules in affected areas. The DSWD is complying with Department of Education protocols that limit the use of public schools as temporary evacuation centers to 15 days.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Mayon Volcano remained under Alert Level 3 as of Jan. 28.

Based on 24-hour monitoring data from midnight Jan. 27 to midnight Jan. 28, the volcano recorded 240 volcanic earthquakes, 292 rockfall events and 37 pyroclastic density currents.

Plume emissions reached up to 1,000 meters above the crater and drifted westward. On Tuesday, Mayon emitted 3,364 metric tons of sulfur dioxide.

Dumlao said the DSWD will continue assisting affected localities, including the provision of family food packs.

As of press time, the agency said it has provided more than P14.2 million worth of humanitarian assistance to families affected by Mayon’s unrest. Field Office 5 has also deployed a mobile kitchen to serve hot meals and prevent internally displaced persons from experiencing “food pack fatigue.”

The DSWD said it is also conducting child-friendly psychosocial activities to help children cope with stress while staying in evacuation centers.

“Bukod po sa mga relief items, nagsagawa rin po ang DSWD ng cash-for-work (CFW) para magbigay ng temporary means of livelihood sa mga Mayon evacuees sa Tent City. Ang ilan sa mga community-based work na ginagawa ng ating mga IDPs ay ang pagsasaayos ng kundisyon ng site sa pamamagitan ng road graveling, cleaning ng site, at basic facility repairs,” Dumlao added.