Sorsogon City: On the instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian arrived in Sorsogon to assess and monitor the needs of communities affected by the eruption of Mt. Bulusan.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized during a briefing at the Sorsogon Province Disaster Response and Risk Reduction Management Council (SPDRRMC) office that President Marcos has mandated a comprehensive government response to support disaster-affected Bicolanos, especially those near Mt. Bulusan. Gatchalian assured Governor Edwin Hamor and local government units (LGUs) that the DSWD has prepositioned family food packs (FFPs) and other relief items in warehouses under the DSWD's Field Office 5 in the Bicol Region to support all families and individuals impacted by the eruption.

The DSWD's Disaster Response Operations Management, Information, and Communication (DROMIC) reported that as of 6 a.m. Tuesday, 15,625 families or 78,184 individuals have been affected by the volcanic activity. Gatchalian noted that the DSWD has collaborated with the provincial government and various LGUs to utilize local warehouses for storing approximately 180,000 FFPs across Region 5.

Following the eruption on Monday, the DSWD Field Office 5 delivered an initial 20,000 boxes of FFPs to the Sorsogon provincial government for immediate distribution to affected families, many of whom are in evacuation centers. The Bicol Field Office has also deployed its Mobile Kitchen at the Juban Municipal evacuation center to provide hot meals to over 70 families.

Gatchalian stated that the DSWD is prepared to offer financial assistance if necessary, as directed by President Marcos. He highlighted that not all family needs can be met through food boxes alone, and financial aid will be provided if the volcanic activity persists or worsens.

The DSWD is working closely with LGUs, national government agencies, and stakeholders to ensure timely and organized aid delivery. After the SPDRRMC meeting, Gatchalian visited evacuation centers to verify that displaced individuals are receiving adequate provisions, including food, water, hygiene kits, and psychosocial support.