DTI: Prices, supplies of goods in Taal-affected areas remain stable

LAKE LIFE Fish cages in Taal Lake provide livelihood to lakeshore communities in Batangas province. Following Taal Volcano’s eruption on March 26, authorities have advised residents within its danger zone to remain in evacuation centers until Taal calms down. They are, however, allowed to visit their homes and tend to their farm animals and fish cages within a six-hour window to ensure their safety. —RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — Prices and supplies of basic goods and commodities in areas affected by the recent Taal volcano eruption, particularly in Batangas, remain stable, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

“Salamat sa Diyos muna at hindi po naging malala ang pagsabog ng Taal as reported. Ang mga presyo at ‘yung mga SRP, suggested retail price, at ‘yung supply ay nananatiling stable sa mga affected areas,” Lopez said in a briefing with President Rodrigo Duterte aired on Wednesday morning.

(Thank God that the eruption of Taal volcano is not that intense. The prices and supplies of goods in affected areas are stable.)

“Ang supply po ng basic necessities, prime commodities, SRP ay stable din,” he added.

(The supply of basic necessities, prime commodities, SRP, are also stable.)

He said this covers towns Mataasnakahoy, Alitagtag, Santa Teresita, Lemery, Malvar, Tanauan, Lipa City, and Santo Tomas.

Lopez said they are also monitoring the prices and supplies in Agoncillo, Laurel, Balete and other high-risk cities and municipalities.

He also said supplies of medical devices, equipment and personal protective equipment such as N95 masks are also plenty and prices are stable.

Phivolcs raised Taal Volcano’s status to alert level 3 after its phreatomagmatic eruption on Saturday.

Alert level 3 means there is “magmatic intrusion at the main crater that may further drive succeeding eruptions.”

Phivolcs said the volcano’s main crater generated a “short-lived phreatomagmatic burst, which was followed by nearly continuous phreatomagmatic activity that generated plumes 1500 meters accompanied by volcanic earthquake and infrasound signals.”

Residents of barangays Banyaga and Bilibinwang in Agoncillo; Buso-Buso, Gulod, and Bugaan East in Laurel; Palsara in Balete; Quilling in Talisay and Don Juan in Cuenca have evacuated their homes while all activities on Taal Lake were stopped.

EDV