With Mayon Volcano now under Alert Level 2 (Moderate Unrest), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol Region is taking decisive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of communities within the volcano’s vicinity. As part of its proactive disaster mitigation strategy, the agency is actively engaging in high-level coordination meetings with Local Government Units (LGUs) situated near the Permanent Danger Zone.
Through its Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) – PSWAD Albay, DSWD Bicol participated in the 1st MDRRM-CCAMC Emergency Meeting of 2026 for the LGU of Camalig and held a strategic coordination session with the LGU of Tabaco City. Simultaneously, the division conducted internal planning with section heads to synchronize regional response efforts. These internal sessions focused on scheduling future cluster meetings, the strategic prepositioning of Food and Non-Food Items (FNFIs), and the standby status of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) for potential deployment.
These discussions are centered on refining protocols for Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) and the Protection of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to ensure that different Local Government Unit and other partner agencies are ready should volcanic activity escalate to Alert Level 3. Anchored on the direct mandates of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and under the leadership of Regional Director Norman S. Laurio, these actions serve as a platform to finalize the agency’s comprehensive preparedness roadmap, guaranteeing swift service delivery and the rapid augmentation of resources the moment they are needed.
Source: DSWD Region V Bicol