National government to fully support Taal-affected LGUs

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go said President Duterte has instructed concerned government agencies to support the recovery efforts of local government units (LGUs) affected by Taal Volcano.

Go said the President also directed the agencies to ensure continuous services to affected communities.

Citing the possible health hazards brought by ashfall, Go called on the Department of Health (DOH) to prioritize the cleaning of health centers and evacuation centers to ensure the safety of residents and evacuees.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said he already informed the regional director of DOH Calabarzon to coordinate with the LGUs concerned regarding cleaning and disinfecting of barangay health stations and rural health units in the area. DOH will be providing the needed technical and logistical assistance to health stations and health units to ensure that affected Filipinos will have unhampered access to primary health care and assistance. 

Go said that some private individuals have pledged to donate horses as a form of livelihood assistance, especially for residents in Tagaytay City who lost the horses they use to earn a living.

“Yesterday I called on friends who have horses that they are not using, and they immediately brought two horses to Batangas. I promised one to Tagaytay,” Go said in Filipino.

He also encouraged those who would like to donate more horses to reach out and help.

In view of the consecutive natural disasters which have ravaged the country in the past months, Go also said it is high time that the government establish evacuation centers in all cities, provinces and municipalities that would cater to the basic needs of calamity victims.