Through close coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Malilipot, the transfer of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from San Jose Elementary School and San Jose National High School to the newly established Tent City in Malilipot, Albay has officially begun, with the assistance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol Region. More than 100 families from the barangays of Calbayog and San Roque are currently relocating to the site, where 131 tents have been set up to provide safer, more private, and more comfortable temporary shelter.

The transfer was undertaken to ensure more comfortable living conditions for displaced families while allowing the schools—used as evacuation centers for over 15 days—to gradually resume normal operations. One evacuee expressed gratitude for the assistance, noting that the tent city offers families greater privacy and helps prevent disruptions to students’ classes.

“Magayon po ining tabang ta igwa na kaming privacy sa kwarto kina siyempre abo mi man na makadistorbo sa mga aki sa pagklase duman sa Elementary School tapos High School,” she said.

(“Maganda po ang tulong na ito dahil mayroon na kaming privacy sa aming mga silid at siyempre hindi na rin kami nakakaabala sa mga bata na nagkaklase sa elementarya at high school.”)

This initiative is part of the continuing response directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., guided by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and implemented on the ground under the leadership of Regional Director Norman S. Laurio.

“Our priority is to ensure that displaced families are provided with safe, decent, and comfortable temporary shelter, while also helping the community gradually return to normalcy. Through close coordination with the LGU and the support of our Cash-for-Work beneficiaries, we are making sure that services reach the families who need them most, without compromising the welfare of learners and the continuity of basic services,” Regional Director Norman S. Laurio said.

Meanwhile, the LGU of Malilipot, with the support of Cash-for-Work beneficiaries now on their third day of engagement, continues to improve site conditions through road graveling, tent city enhancements, and basic facility repairs. DSWD Bicol and its partners remain on the ground to ensure a smooth transition and sustained assistance as recovery efforts move forward.