Gatchalian: Additional 100K food packs for Mayon evacuees

By Keren Bernadas

LEGAZPI CITY --- Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced on Thursday that 100,000 food packs will be delivered this week in anticipation of a possible escalation of Mayon Volcano to alert level 4.

This delivery is in addition to the 116,755 food packs that have already been allocated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for affected families since January 1, he said.

“If more supplies are needed, we can quickly send them because we are drawing our supplies from our two repacking centers located in Cebu and Metro Manila,” Gatchalian said in a blend of English and Filipino.

“In terms of non-food items, whatever is requested, we can easily provide,” he added, referring to requests for support from local government units.

Under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Gatchalian met with various local chief executives in Albay to strategize for possible worsening conditions.

He assured that the national government is prepared to assist Albay province.

“The DSWD Quick Response Funds are intact, which can be used for immediate cash transfer and cash-for-work (programs) to augment the food supplies for the evacuees,” he added.

In addition to the food packs, the government has allocated 13,794 non-food items, which include various kits for families, hygiene supplies, kitchen essentials, and sleeping materials.

A standby fund of P3,000,000 has also been set aside by DSWD for the immediate augmentation of relief efforts. (PIA Bicol)