The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced Monday that its Calabarzon field office is fully prepared to deliver aid amid heightened seismic activity at Taal Volcano, which could signal an impending eruption.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a warning Sunday, citing an increase in real-time seismic energy measurement (RSAM) and a low level of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions since June, indicators that could prelude volcanic activity. Taal, located about 50 miles south of Manila, last erupted in January 2020, displacing thousands and blanketing nearby areas in ash.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, who leads the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group, said disaster response teams are actively coordinating with local government units (LGUs) and other national agencies to monitor the situation. “Our lines with LGUs are always active because they serve as the first line of disaster responders,” Dumlao said in a statement. “Whether it’s preparation or post-disaster response, we are ensuring readiness.”
The DSWD has stockpiled 207,408 boxes of family food packs and 13,178 non-food items, including hygiene, kitchen, sleeping, and clothing kits, across various storage facilities in the Calabarzon region. Dumlao added that the Disaster Response Management Bureau’s Quick Response Team and emergency equipment are on standby for immediate deployment if needed.
The National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau is also ensuring a steady supply of food and non-food items to support field offices. “Despite ongoing relief efforts for weather-related disasters nationwide, we maintain no fewer than 3 million family food packs,” Dumlao said, citing directives from DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian to sustain continuous production and replenishment at agency hubs.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has repeatedly emphasized the need for swift and comprehensive government action before, during, and after disasters, a principle guiding the DSWD’s preparations. “We do not wish for an eruption, but we are ensuring we are well-equipped if it happens,” Dumlao said.
Residents near Lake Taal were urged to stay vigilant and cooperate with local authorities to ensure their safety. Phivolcs has not yet raised the alert level for Taal, which remains at Level 1, indicating low-level unrest, but the agency continues to monitor the volcano closely.
The government’s proactive stance reflects lessons learned from past eruptions, with officials aiming to minimize disruption and protect vulnerable communities in the event of an escalation.
