LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol Region has intensified its humanitarian operations with the rollout of the second phase of Family Food Pack (FFP) distribution for families displaced by the continuing unrest of Mayon Volcano, covering Tabaco City and the Municipality of Malilipot, Albay. This expanded response is being carried out through the strong coordination among the agency, the Provincial Government of Albay, and concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) to ensure uninterrupted assistance to evacuees who remain in evacuation centers.

The first phase of food assistance, which commenced on January 4, 2026, sustained 1,127 displaced families for 15 days. As volcanic activity continues to prevent families from returning home, DSWD Bicol immediately activated the second phase of relief operations, which will benefit 1,133 families, covering the distribution of 5,665 Family Food Packs to internally displaced persons (IDPs) currently staying in evacuation centers across Tabaco City and Malilipot. This move aims to extend the agency’s full-scale humanitarian support while evacuation and safety measures remain in effect.

On January 22, 2026, DSWD Bicol facilitated the distribution of FFPs to evacuees from Barangays Buang, Magapo, and Buhian in Tabaco City, including families temporarily housed at the Buang Evacuation Center and HMR Evacuation Center in San Vicente, benefiting hundreds of households and more than a thousand individuals. Parallel relief operations were also conducted in Malilipot, where Mayon-affected families received food assistance at the San Jose Elementary School Evacuation Center, San Jose NHS Evacuation Center, and Tagaytay Elementary School, including evacuees from Barangay Anoling.

Regional Director Norman S. Laurio, who continues to oversee operations on the ground, underscored the agency’s commitment to sustained assistance.

“Habang nagpapatuloy ang unrest ng Mayon at nananatili ang ating mga kababayan sa evacuation centers, tuloy-tuloy ang DSWD sa pagbibigay ng pagkain at tulong. Sisikapin naming walang pamilyang maiiwan at sapat ang suporta habang hindi pa ligtas ang pagbabalik sa kanilang mga tahanan,” Laurio said.

Anchored to the guidance of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, DSWD Bicol remains committed in delivering timely, efficient, and compassionate assistance. Through the direct order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. the agency also works closely with the Provincial Government of Albay and partner LGUs to strengthen its humanitarian response to ensure the safety and well-being of families affected by the ongoing Mayon Volcano unrest.

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