Legazpi city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has readied more than PHP138.4 million worth of response aid following the raising of Mayon Volcano's alert level from 1 to 2. Claudio Villareal, chief of the Disaster Response Management Division, stated that the department's priority is ensuring the safety and food security of families that may be affected by increased volcanic activity.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-5 has prepared a total of PHP138,427,670.93 worth of relief supplies and standby funds for potential deployment. The prepositioned resources include a PHP3-million standby fund, 111,164 family food packs, 15,696 non-food items, 16,580 ready-to-eat food boxes, and 49,054 other food items.

Guided by directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, disaster monitoring efforts have been intensified, and resources have been immediately mobilized. The public is urged to remain vigilant and avoid the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone around the volcano.

Villareal mentioned plans to meet with partner local government units in the coming week to prepare for the response efforts. He also noted that ongoing assessments are being conducted and that a request for augmentation to the central office is being drafted.

Based on the latest bulletin from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Mayon Volcano has recorded 43 rockfall events and two volcanic earthquakes. Additionally, faint crater glow and ground deformation have been observed, indicating inflation of the volcano's edifice.