BACOLOD City – The local government unit of this city will extend financial assistance to victims of Taal Volcano eruption.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia pledged to donate part of the city’s disaster fund but they will identify the affected areas first. The budget will come from the allocation of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office he said.
As of press time, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council disclosed there are 966 displaced families, or 7,742 individuals, in Batangas and Cavite. In addition, based on an online report, NDRRMC Executive Director Ricardo Jalad said displaced residents are currently being sheltered at 38 evacuation centers across Calabarzon.
Last Sunday, NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Timbal said around 300,000 individuals were brought to safety, later noting, this was the “target number of persons” that would have to be evacuated in Batangas and Cavite.
He also said the NDRRMC Operations Center in Manila has been raised to a “red alert” status, which means all associated agencies and offices in the affected areas must report to their headquarters 24/7.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has deployed search, rescue, and retrieval teams, along with various military assets, for the ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in Batangas./PN