QUEZPN CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Field Office V, has started its response operations to support the municipality of Juban. Sorsogon due to the eruption of Mt. Bulusan.

According to the June 6, 6PM report, the DSWD Field Office (FO) V sent 1,000 Family Food Packs (FFPs) and 158 sets of hygiene kits as augmentation assistance to the affected locality.

As of press time, about 75 families or 278 individuals are currently staying in an evacuation center in Juban.

The DSWD is ready to send additional assistance to local government units (LGUs), which are the first responders during disasters, if necessary. The DSWD FO V has more than P5 million standby funds, food items amounting to more than P11 million, and non-food items worth more than P44 million. In addition, there are also more than 24,000 FFPs available in the DSWD FO V’s warehouses in Legaspi City, Masbate City, and Catanduanes.

The Department will continue to coordinate with affected LGUs to ensure that the basic needs of affected residents will be immediately addressed. (DSWD)