The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) started to distribute on Tuesday a total of 6,372 family food packs (FFPs) for the seventh wave assistance for Mayon evacuees.

In a phone interview on Tuesday, DSWD-5 Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) officer-in-charge Claudio Villareal Jr. said the food packs cover two cycles of distribution from Sept. 26 to 30.

“The 6,372 FFPs are for five local government units — Malilipot, Camalig, Daraga, Tabaco City and Ligao City,” Villareal said.

The DSWD-5 continues to monitor internally displaced families in all the remaining 22 evacuation centers due to the ongoing volcanic activity of Mayon Volcano.

Villareal said they see to it that the internally displaced individuals are provided with their basic needs.

“DSWD Bicol remains at the forefront of operations and is ready to respond at any time, prioritizing the health and safety of the affected communities due to the ongoing activity of Mayon Volcano and other disasters,” he said.

There are 3,470 families or 12,331 individuals inside evacuation centers since June 11.

Meanwhile, DSWD-5 still has 64,691 FFPs and 70,782 non-food items placed in different warehouses in the six provinces.

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

Mayon Volcano remains at Alert Level 3 which means a relatively high level of unrest and a hazardous eruption is possible within weeks or even days. (PNA)