The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will continue to monitor families affected by the recent eruption of Mt. Bulusan, even after they have returned to their homes, an official said Saturday.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group said all five evacuation centers have now been closed, according to the agency’s 6 a.m. report. Personnel from DSWD’s Field Office in Bicol helped coordinate the safe return of evacuees to their communities.
“While evacuees have left the shelters, our efforts do not stop here. Continued monitoring is crucial, especially with Mt. Bulusan still under Alert Level 1,” Dumlao said.
Following the April 28 eruption, the DSWD has provided at least P22 million worth of humanitarian assistance to affected families in Sorsogon province. This included family food packs, hot meals, drinking water, kitchen and hygiene kits, and water filtration devices.
Dumlao noted that the agency is prepared to distribute more relief supplies if needed. The DSWD’s Bicol regional office currently maintains over P3 million in standby funds, along with additional food and non-food relief items valued at over P205 million.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian earlier said financial assistance may also be provided to cover urgent survival needs, including medical expenses not covered by food packs. The agency may also support housing repairs and livelihood restoration for affected households.
Dumlao emphasized that DSWD Bicol remains in close coordination with the Sorsogon provincial government to ensure rapid and appropriate aid delivery as the situation evolves.
