On the afternoon of January 12, 2020, Taal volcano erupted. Loud rumbling sounds were felt and heard from the volcano island. By 7PM same day, the Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert status to Alert Level 4 after activities intensified as the volcano spewed ash 10 to 15 kilometers into the air, indicating a “hazardous explosive eruption” in the near future. Ashfall from the volcano was experienced in Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and reached as far as Metro Manila and Pampanga. Delays and cancellation of flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) soon followed suit.
In an effort to show support and solidarity to families affected by the recent activities of the volcano, PHAR Philippines partnered with Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) on two relief missions in Batangas and Cavite.
Train passengers were also encouraged to donate. A call for donations material aired on TUBE for a week showing which items to donate, and listing down select LRT-1 stations (Baclaran, Central, Yamaha Monumento, Balintawak, Roosevelt, D Jose) that served as receiving stations for donations on January 21 and 22.
Together with LRMC, and with the donation of the train passengers, PHAR Philippines was able to collectively help around 68 families in Batangas and Cavite.
Items collected and donated:
· Food Items – 200 food packs, 8 boxes or snacks, 18 boxes lemon square
· Clothing – 1016 pcs
· Blankets/bedsheets/towels – 39 pcs
· Hygiene Kits – 214 assorted pcs (diapers, sanitary pads, soap, toothpaste, shampoo)
· Drinking water – 17 cases
Batangas was declared under state of calamity on Juanuary 13, a day after the Taal Volcano started spewing ash.
Here are other channels where you can send your donations:
PHILIPPINE RED CROSS CAVITE
What: N95 face masks, face towels, blanket, mattress, hygiene kit, ready-to-eat food, drinking water
Where: Samonte Park, P.N, Cavite City, Cavite
Contact: Marie Imperial (0915 790 5571)
CARMONA AREA
Where: Unit 1, Contemprato Bldg, Sugar Road, Cityland, Carmona, Cavite
Contact: Patrick Doloroso (0925 555 6391)
DASMARIÑAS AREA
Where: National College of Science and Technology Building at Brgy. Burol 1, Aguinaldo Highway, Dasmariñas, Cavite
Contact: Gary Santos (0905 474 4905)
IMUS AREA
Where: City Work Spaces 2nd Flr. DCR Bldg. Aguinaldo Highway, Bayan Luma II, Imus City, Cavite.
Contact: Jap Macatangay (0917 869 8217)
For more information, visit Philippine Red Cross - Cavite Facebook
CARITAS MANILA
What: Food packs, drinking water, water containers, cleaning materials, mats, blankets, mosquito nets, batteries, lamps, flashlights, toiletries, medical kits, basic medicines, N95 masks
Where: 2002 Jesus St. Pandacan, Manila
Online: Go to ubpay.com.ph/caritasmanila and choose Caritas Damayan Taal Volcano
For more information, visit Caritas Manila Facebook.
PETA
What: Telescope, dog and cat food, face masks, leashes and collars
Where: Unit 706, Feldman Building 199 Salcedo St. Legaspi Village, Makati
Contact: 8817-5292
Drop-off hours: 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
What: Cow feed, chicken feed, dog food, cat food, bottles of water, pet bowls
Where: PAWS Animal Shelter at Aurora Blvd., Quezon City
Online: Visit paws.org.ph/donate
