The Department of Social Welfare Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) assured the local government units (LGUs) that will be affected by Mayon Volcano’s increasing unrest that the agency can provide food packs and non-food items.

MaryGizelle Mesa, DSWD Bicol spokesperson, in an interview on Tuesday, said the agency has put on standby some 31,092 family food packs in different warehouses while another PHP6.2 million stockpile for repacking of additional family food packs in anticipation of augmentation.

Mesa said the PHP6.2 million stockpile composed of 52,900 kilograms of rice; 77,348 corned beef cans; sardines – 45,756 cans; tuna sardines – 52,396 cans; 3-in-1 coffee – 134,390 sachets; and cereal drink – 164,085 cans were packed good for 20,000 families.

On top of these, a PHP5-million standby fund is ready for additional purchase of food packs or any kits as needed.

DSWD Bicol also said one family food pack can provide food on the table for two days for a family of five members.

“We have requested an additional 15,000 family food packs and 7,000 non-food items from DSWD central office in Manila,” Mesa added.

DSWD Bicol said 47,282 non-food items are also on standby including at least 20 sets of tents, 3,338 boxes of sleeping kits, 2,292 boxes of family kits, 2,339 sets of hygiene kits, and 3,232 kitchen kits.

At least 16,688 “malong” (tube skirts), 1,140 laminated sacks, and 16,330 blankets are readied as well, Mesa added.

She said the early preparation of relief goods by their office is aimed at ensuring immediate resource augmentation in case Mayon’s alert status will be raised to level 3.

Mesa said DSWD Bicol chief Norman Laurio visited different evacuation centers in the towns of Guinobatan, Camalig, Sto. Domingo and Malilipot.

“He also attended coordination meetings with barangay captains in different high-risk villages in Albay,” she said. (PNA)