Albay: The Department of Health (DOH) 5 (Bicol) has mobilized more than PHP3.6 million worth of medical supplies and logistical assistance to municipalities in Albay affected by Mayon Volcano's ongoing unrest. Aurora Teresa Daluro, head of the Public Health Preparedness and Response Unit of DOH-5, stated that the agency has deployed rapid health assessment teams to affected areas to ensure immediate medical assistance for evacuees.

According to Philippines News Agency, since January, the DOH has implemented a replenishment plan every first week of the month, sending medicine supplies to evacuation camps and Rural Health Units. Jerry cans and health kits are already in place to support those displaced by the volcanic activity. The DOH-5 has also stationed 67 human resources for health personnel, including Doctors to the Barrios, midwives, pharmacists, and nurse deployment program personnel, in evacuation camps around the clock.

The agency has established fast lanes and implemented a no-balance billing strategy in hospitals across Albay for evacuees. This ensures that evacuees do not have to spend money on medical care, as they are covered by the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program. To strengthen disease monitoring, the DOH-5 has enhanced the Surveillance in Post-Extreme Emergencies and Disasters (SPEED) information system, which receives daily health reports from evacuation camps.

The DOH-5 has also mobilized its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) team, along with rural sanitary inspectors, to conduct water sampling and testing in affected communities. To ensure safe drinking water, the agency introduced the 'Palit Jerry Can' strategy for evacuees. Additionally, the agency conducted nutritional assessments, supplementary and therapeutic feeding activities, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services sessions in evacuation centers. So far, DOH-5 has recorded 229 psychological interventions provided to evacuees.