Metro Manila LGUs send donations, personnel to help Taal victims

MANILA, Philippines — Several local governments in Metro Manila have extended help to Batangas province, which is reeling from the eruption of Taal Volcano.

In an emergency meeting called on Jan. 14, the San Juan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) chaired by Mayor Francis Zamora approved the transfer of P2 million from the CDRRM fund to the Batangas Provincial Risk Reduction Management fund.

Muntinlupa City also donated P3 million to the towns of Talisay, Laurel and Agoncillo, the most affected areas in Batangas, on top of over 3,000 relief packs.

Muntinlupa social services department head Analyn Mercado said the city initially sent 3,417 grocery packs and 381 six-liter bottles of water to evacuation centers in coordination with the Batangas Incident Command Post at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas.

These would be sent to affected families in Calaca, Alfonso, Nasugbu, Bauan, San Pascual, Balayan and Santo Tomas.

The local governments of Taguig and Parañaque have also sent their personnel to the affected areas to provide initial relief assistance to residents.

A state of calamity was declared in Batangas province on Jan. 13 with Taal Volcano, the country’s second most active volcano, spewing ash since Sunday.

–With a report from Dexter Cabalza