CONTINUOUS PROVISIONS. A total of 15,000 family food packs (FFPs) were unloaded at the Department of Social Welfare and Development-5 (Bicol) warehouse in Barangay Bogtong, Legazpi City on Wednesday (Aug. 23, 2023). The continued augmentation support for families affected by the ongoing Mayon Volcano unrest is part of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian's commitment to Albay province. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-5)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development-5 (Bicol) is expected to receive on Friday another 15,000 family food packs (FFPs) from the central office as part of the continued augmentation support for the families affected by the ongoing effusive eruption of Mayon Volcano.
In an interview on Thursday, Marygizelle Mesa, DSWD-5 spokesperson, said the augmentation is part of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian's commitment to provide for the evacuees’ needs until Mayon Volcano settles down.
"We are expecting 15,000 FFPs on Friday from our DSWD National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB) office. They delivered 15,000 on Wednesday at our regional warehouse in Barangay Bogtong, Legazpi City. The replenishment of the FFPs will continue until the designated regional warehouses are full again," Mesa said.
She said the augmentation is in preparation for the 5th wave of food assistance to the 5,787 families of 20,247 individuals affected by the restiveness of Mt. Mayon.
"There are three warehouses -- in Barangay Bugtong and Barangay Pawa in Legazpi City and one in Camalig town. The 5th wave is on Aug. 26. We will provide for 15 days food supply for them," she added.
The agency recently released its 2nd wave of hygiene kits, consisting of 5,410 packs.
The DSWD-5 currently has on standby 59,050 family food packs in different warehouses and another PHP8.3 million worth of stockpile for repacking in anticipation of augmentation.
Each family food pack can provide food on the table for two days for a family of five members.
Mesa said the stockpile is composed of 26,850 kilograms of rice; 1,417 cans of corned beef; 209,546 cans of tuna; 252,050 sachets of 3-in-1 coffee; and 13,065 cereal drinks.
On top of these, a PHP5-million standby fund is ready for additional purchase of food packs or any kits as needed.
The agency has likewise prepared 74,564 pieces of non-food items worth PHP128 million, which include family tents; sleeping, family, hygiene, and kitchen kits.
Alert Level 3 is maintained over Mayon Volcano, which means that it is currently in a relatively high level of unrest and a hazardous eruption is still possible within weeks or even days. (PNA)
