On January 12, Taal Volcano disturbed what seemed to be a usual Sunday to Batangueños who live on the Taal Volcano island and around Lake Taal. On that same day, thousands of families fled from the threat of the erupting volcano.

As the Alert Level increased in each passing day, a total lockdown was implemented in the municipalities of Mataas na Kahoy, Balete, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Laurel, Lemery and Talisay. All residents in high risk areas were forced to evacuate to schools which served as evacuation centers and temporary shelters provided by the government. Other families opted to stay with their relatives who were not affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano. Living in evacuation centers although temporary is hard especially for children and old people. Immediate relief to the affected communities continued to pour demonstrating the Filipino spirit of ‘bayanihan’ or helping each other in time of need.

On January 17, 2020, the American Chamber of Commerce Foundation Philippines Inc. immediately donated food packs to 233 families from Brgy. Calawit who were evacuated to Inosluban Marawoy Integrated High School, Mataas na Kahoy National High School and Banaba East Gymnasium in Padre Garcia Batangas. TELUS Philippines provided 115 food and no-food relief packs to the affected families from Brgy. Alas-as, San Nicolas.

On January 17, 2020, the American Chamber of Commerce Foundation Philippines Inc. immediately donated food packs to 233 families from Brgy. Calawit who were evacuated to Inosluban Marawoy Integrated High School, Mataas na Kahoy National High School and Banaba East Gymnasium in Padre Garcia Batangas. TELUS Philippines provided 115 food and no-food relief packs to the affected families from Brgy. Alas-as, San Nicolas.

In their earnestness to help, the UP College of Social Work and Community Development traveled at midnight to deliver 100 food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping mats and blankets to the evacuees from Balete and Mataas na Kahoy. These are the communities that hosted them during their studies and research. UP CSWCD did not forget to look back now that these families were in need.

The combined effort of PUSOD and its partners reached a total of 442 family beneficiaries. Other cash
donations received will be used in the rehabilitation program.

PUSOD will continue to help in the rehabilitation and recovery of Taal Lake communities. Help us so we
can continue to help them.

Table 1: Summary of Relief Assistance

The eruption of Taal Volcano on January 12 and its unrest days thereafter, resulted in massive displacement of communities and billions worth of damages in infrastructure and agriculture. However, this disaster also brings out the best in us – our kindness, unity, and generosity. 

PUSOD Inc. has been working with communities and local governments in Taal Volcano Island and lakeshore communities since 2004. Together with various donors and partners, we were able to provide humanitarian relief to 442 displaced families mostly coming from the volcano island.  Suffering of these families was reduced because they received repeat distribution of food and non-food items from January 12-27, 2020 as well as medical assistance including psycho-social intervention. 

We are grateful to all our partners who immediately responded to the needs of the disaster survivors. Other cash donations received have been earmarked for rehabilitation and recovery assistance. Conduct of needs assessment is on-going.