Sorsogon Province – As part of its ongoing commitment to support communities impacted by the ongoing activity of Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon Province, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol Region successfully distributed 2,634 six-liter bottles of distilled drinking water to displaced and affected families in the municipalities of Juban and Irosin on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

A total of 1,168 families from Barangays Cogon and Bulawan in Irosin, and 1,466 families from Barangays Goruyan and Buraburan in Juban, benefited from this essential aid.

This water distribution initiative is crucial in mitigating the health risks posed by ashfall contamination, particularly for families who rely on open mountain water sources. The provision of safe, distilled water ensures that these families have access to potable drinking water at a time of urgent need.

Following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian through DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio continues to spearhead response teams, closely monitoring affected areas and addressing the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable populations.

In the face of this crisis, DSWD Bicol remains at the forefront of disaster relief operations, prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of families affected by the unrest at Mt. Bulusan. The Field Office has also assured the continued availability of Family Food Packs (FFPs) and Non-Food Items (NFIs) for sustained relief efforts.

As of this update, more than PHP 204 million worth of standby funds and disaster relief stockpiles have been strategically prepositioned across the region, reinforcing DSWD’s readiness to respond to current and future needs.###