Even before Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian can board the plane in Singapore going back to Manila, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr has directed the DSWD chief to ensure that the agency can swiftly deliver all the needed assistance of Sorsogon residents affected by the eruption of Bulusan volcano.
The DSWD was able to do fast on orders from Secretary Gatchalian and as directed by President Marcos.
Because of the DSWD’s swift disaster response, Sorsogon Governor Edwin Hamor recorded a video thanking Secretary Gatchalian, President Marcos and the DSWD for delivering the 20,000 boxes of FFPs on Monday (April 28) as requested by the local executive in the wake of Mt. Bulusan’s restiveness.
Early morning of Tuesday (April 29), Secretary Gatchalian, accompanied by Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) arrived in Sorsogon province to personally monitor the needs of communities affected by the eruption of Mt. Bulusan.
In a situation briefing, the DSWD chief assured Governor Hamor and all the municipal and city mayors present that the agency is ready to augment the resources of their local government units (LGUs) as they respond to the needs of their constituents.
Secretary Gatchalian said this is in line with the marching order given to him by President Marcos which calls for a whole-of-government approach in addressing the needs of all disaster-affected Bicolanos, particulary those residing in the vicinity of Mt. Bulusan.
“We want to make sure that all displaced families are taken care of properly and that the government is present in this time of need,” Secretary Gatchalian said in a meeting held at the Sorsogon Province Disaster Response and Risk Reduction Management Council (SPDRRMC) office in Sorsogon City.
Based on the 6:00 a.m. report of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Operations Management, Information, and Communication (DROMIC), a total of 15,625 families or 78,184 individuals have been affected by the volcanic activity of Mt. Bulusan.
On the day of the eruption on Monday (April 28), the DSWD Field Office 5 (Bicol Region) under Regional Director Norman Laurio has already completed the delivery of an initial 20,000 boxes of FFPs to the provincial government of Sorsogon for immediate distribution to the affected families, most of whom are seeking temporary shelter in designated evacuation centers.
The Bicol Field Office has also stationed its Mobile Kitchen at the Juban Municipal evacuation center to serve hot meals to over 70 families.
Part of Secretary Gatchalian’s Sorsogon itinerary is to visit evacuation centers in the province to ensure that internally displaced persons (IDPs) are safe, comfortable, and receiving adequate provisions such as food, water, hygiene kits, and psychosocial support.
The DSWD remains in close coordination with LGUs, concerned national government agencies (NGAs), and other stakeholders to ensure the systematic and timely delivery of aid to affected communities. (LSJ)