The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Bicol Region beefed up its ongoing relief operations for families affected by the recent eruption of Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon province.
In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-government approach, the OCD is ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive disaster response.
Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) chairman Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. and OCD Executive Director Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno are closely overseeing the situation, pledging full support for the affected communities.
“In support of the provincial government’s request, OCD Bicol has prepared a stockpile of 880 boxes of face masks, totaling 44,000 pieces, along with 2,000 hygiene kits, ready for distribution to evacuees,” the agency said in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the OCD, the provincial government has specifically requested 1,500 hygiene kits and 10,000 face masks to help maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of illness among displaced residents.
“Director Claudio Yucot assured that OCD Region 5 (Bicol) has the capacity to provide these critical non-food items and other aid as needed,” it added.
The provincial government also sought assistance with aerial surveys to assess ashfall damage. OCD Bicol coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to secure an air asset for reconnaissance, enabling officials to better gauge the disaster’s impact and refine their response strategies.
Yucot, also chair of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, visited affected areas in Sorsogon to meet with local officials and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).
He reviewed initial response measures, identified ongoing needs, and inspected evacuation centers in Juban town to assess conditions and ensure adequate aid is being provided.
OCD reported that the eruption has affected approximately 14,830 families, or 74,209 individuals. Currently, 19 families (61 individuals) are staying in evacuation centers.
Ongoing relief operations include the prepositioning of critical supplies, such as 888 N95 masks worth over P1.2 million and 2,000 hygiene kits valued at P3.5 million.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has also deployed 2,000 family food packs worth P1.78 million, along with tents, water containers, and hygiene kits.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection is conducting road flushing operations to clear ash from major thoroughfares. The Sorsogon PDRRMO has activated its Emergency Operations Center and is working with municipal disaster response teams to address evolving needs.
The Department of Health issued a Code White Alert, underscoring the importance of adhering to health and safety protocols for affected populations.