LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol region (DSWD-5) on Tuesday started to distribute part of the 33,695 family food packs for the 3rd wave assistance for Mayon evacuees.

In a phone interview on Tuesday, Marygizelle Mesa, DSWD-Bicol spokesperson, said the family food packs distributed will cover the food supply of Mayon-affected families from July 25 to Aug. 8.

“The distributions were part of the directives of Secretary Rex Gatchalian who gave his commitment to the Albayanos that no affected families whether inside or outside evacuation centers will be left uncared for,” Mesa said.

DSWD-5 records show that there are 5,394 internally displaced families inside evacuation centers and 1,345 economically displaced families staying outside with a total number of 6,739 affected families.

A total of 11,855 family food packs were distributed to the local government units of Malilipot (4,555); Ligao City (280); Guinobatan (4,420); and Camalig (2,600). (PNA)