Residents displaced by the recent eruption of Mt. Bulusan have finally returned to their homes, bringing a glimmer of relief to the affected communities. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced on Saturday that all five evacuation centers set up for those displaced have now closed.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group revealed that staff from the agency’s Bicol Field Office played a key role in coordinating the orderly return of evacuees. But she warned, “Our work doesn’t end here. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, especially since Mt. Bulusan remains at Alert Level 1.”
The threat is far from over. The DSWD is on high alert, ready to act swiftly if the volcano erupts again. Their Bicol Regional Office holds over P3 million in standby funds. They also keep a stockpile of family food packs and essential non-food items valued at more than P205 million, braced to support families at a moment’s notice.
Mt. Bulusan’s violent phreatic eruptions on April 28 and 30 blanketed nearby towns in ash, displacing many and sending shockwaves through the region. For now, displaced residents breathe easier back in their homes—but the watchful eye of the DSWD remains fixed on the restless volcano.