Albay: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has committed to providing temporary employment to families displaced by the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano in Albay province. During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program on Monday, DSWD-5 Director Norman Laurio announced that affected families will be enrolled in the agency's cash-for-work program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the cash-for-work initiative will involve displaced individuals in various activities such as cleaning evacuation centers and planting vegetables. In return, the DSWD will compensate them with PHP 435 per family per day for a period of 30 days. This initiative aims to provide families with funds to support their children's education and meet their daily needs during the disruption caused by the volcano's activity.

Laurio emphasized that local government units have been asked to submit lists of eligible beneficiaries. The assistance is not limited to those residing in evacuation centers but also extends to families temporarily living with relatives. Currently, at least 145,029 family food packs are prepositioned in regional warehouses, ready to be distributed to those in need.

In addition to food and non-food items, DSWD-5 is offering psychosocial support, particularly for children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. A tent city has been established in Malilipot town to serve as an expanded evacuation site, and other logistical assets have been deployed to aid the evacuees.

Laurio stated that the agency is coordinating with other national government agencies to remain prepared in case the alert level for Mayon Volcano is raised to No. 4. This could potentially necessitate the evacuation of over 14,000 families from the extended seven- to eight-kilometer danger zone.