The national government has ramped up relief and response operations for families affected by the continued unrest of Mayon Volcano, with Malacañang reporting that assistance has already exceeded P133 million and additional resources remain on standby.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was briefed by concerned agencies on the latest situation in the Bicol region, where contingency measures and evacuation protocols remain in full effect to ensure public safety.
During the briefing, officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Agriculture (DA) provided updates on ongoing operations. Representatives from the Office of the Executive Secretary, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) also participated.
According to the DSWD, a total of 93,373 family food packs have already been distributed, along with 1,402 ready-to-eat food boxes and 7,634 non-food relief items. The agency reported that total assistance provided has reached P133.236 million in food and non-food support.
Despite the scale of distribution, the DSWD said it still maintains substantial standby resources amounting to over P6.1 billion, covering both cash funds and prepositioned relief goods, ready for immediate deployment should conditions worsen.
Latest data from the agency show that 68,956 families, or roughly 280,969 individuals across 156 barangays, have been affected by the volcanic unrest. Of this number, 1,362 families remain inside 12 evacuation centers, while 26 families are temporarily staying with relatives or friends.
On the ground, the DPWH, together with the OCD and Bureau of Fire Protection, continue to conduct debris-clearing operations in affected areas. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police and local government units are strictly enforcing the six-kilometer permanent danger zone and implementing evacuation protocols.
Authorities also confirmed that evacuation centers are being managed to ensure continuous delivery of basic needs, with the DOH providing medical and health services to displaced residents. The government likewise reported that evacuated animals are receiving veterinary care as part of the broader response efforts.