Duterte, Go visit Taal evacuees

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go joined President Duterte in Agoncillo, Batangas on Monday to bring hope and support to families affected by the recent eruption of Taal Volcano.

The activity was held at the Agoncillo Central Elementary School, where the President and Go joined representatives of national agencies and local officials led by Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas and Agoncillo Mayor Daniel Reyes, in the distribution of various forms of emergency assistance.

Grocery packs, personal protective equipment, water containers, alcohol, maternity and newborn kits as well as food for 100 families were provided.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development committed to provide additional funds for other forms of assistance to affected communities.

At least 4,135 individuals are staying in 21 evacuation centers in Lemery, Agoncillo and Laurel towns as of April 4.

Go had earlier called on the public for continued and full cooperation amid Taal Volcano’s unrest.

The senator recounted how cooperation of the public and the government during Taal’s eruption in 2020 played a significant role in helping the victims get back on their feet.

The senator, who belongs to the Tesoro clan in Batangas, encouraged those residing in the danger zones to stay alert and resilient as he reassured them that they would overcome the challenge with full assistance from the government.

“Nakausap ko ang isang mayor at magpapadala kami ng tulong. Dating gawi na namin na tulungan ang mga evacuees. Importante mailikas sila sa ligtas na lugar. Kaya makinig tayo sa payo ng (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) kung kailangan na umalis. Huwag natin hintayin na nasa panganib ang ating buhay,” Go said.