Challenges faced by Taal residents will be addressed: PRRD

FILE: Despite repeated warnings from the government of mandatory evacuation, some residents continue to live on the Taal Volcano Island as seen in the photo during the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Joint Task Force-Taal aerial reconnaissance of the volcano on Tuesday (Jan. 21, 2020). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday renewed his vow to help families affected by the restive Taal Volcano to return to their normal lives.

Speaking before the new presidential appointees, the President said the present challenges that are plaguing those living within Taal Volcano’s danger zone would be addressed.

“We’ll now address the challenges of the Taal people,” Duterte said during the mass oath-taking of new government officials held at Palace’s Rizal Hall.

“You have to look for the money for that. Budgeted na kasi iyan (already). And who would ever expect that Taal would blow up at this time?” he added.

On Jan. 20, Duterte called on the lawmakers to speed up the passage of the PHP30-billion supplemental budget that will be earmarked to help displaced residents living near Taal Volcano.

During the 46th Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the President also approved the recommendation to grant around 5,448 housing units to households residing within the seven-kilometer radius danger zone near the volcano.

The granting of housing units initially allotted for military and police personnel came following the proposed permanent relocation of families living within Taal Volcano’s danger zone.

Duterte lauded soldiers and policemen for letting the government give the housing units in Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, and Quezon to residents displaced by Taal Volcano’s eruption last month.

“When there is an emergency and when there is a need to provide shelter and there is none, I always have the military to step aside. Sabihin ko lang sa kanila na (I will just tell them that) you just bear this event and let me get back to you,” he said, referring to the police and the military.

Taal, the country’s second most active volcano, erupted on January 12, forcing over 300,000 residents to leave their homes.

Many of the displaced residents already returned homes following the decision of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on January 26 to lower Taal Volcano’s status from Alert Level 4 to 3.

Phivolcs, in its 8 a.m. bulletin on Thursday, reported Taal Volcano’s weak emission of steam-laden plumes that are 50 to 100 meters tall.

It also warned anew of possible “eruptive activity” at the main create of Taal’s volcano after it recorded 132 volcanic earthquakes.