Legazpi diocese leads Taal’s ‘Ayuda Kan Albay’

LEGAZPI CITY---All roads lead to Batangas and Cavite provinces as Bicolanos from all walks of life, from churches, civic and business organizations, and local government units are spearheading “Tabang or Ayuda” (Aid) for thousands of families severely affected by Taal Volcano eruptions.

In Albay province, the Diocese of Legazpi led by Bishop Joel “Bong” Z. Baylon is spearheading “Ayuda Kan Albay” (Aid of Albay) to generate cash and in kind donations from Bicolanos to help families affected by the eruption.

The prelate of Legazpi urged the clergies of the diocese including religious, lay people, and association of catholic schools to work together for relief effort mission in Batangas and Cavite.

“In response to Taal Volcano eruption, I exhort parishes, schools, and communities to conduct relief aid drives - in cash and in kind - in behalf of evacuees in Batangas and Cavite,” Baylon said.

“Preferred in-kind donations are face masks, rice, canned goods, hygiene kits, mats, blankets. Used clothing are not encouraged at this time,” he said.

The prelate of Legazpi also committed its second collection on Sunday, Jan 19, for humanitarian purposes. The diocese event dubbed as Holy Childhood collection shall be postponed to another Sunday, Baylon said.

“Please send all donations to SAC Legazpi, which is in-charge of sending them to Taal evacuees. Another drop-off point for donations is SM City Legazpi. Let this calamity lead us to grow into generous neighbors to those in need. God bless,” the prelate said.

Other drop off points are churches of the diocese here.

The diocese of Legazpi partnered with multi sectoral groups and government agencies such as the Tactical Operations Group 5-Philippine Air Force, SM City Legazpi, Radyo Veritas, Philippine Red Cross-Albay-Legazpi City Chapter, Sorsogon City District Jail, and the Social Action Center to help families who have been affected by the ongoing Taal volcano eruptions.

To facilitate and collect the donations from the public, the SM City Legazpi put up a booth in the mall manned by the personnel of Tactical Operations Group 5-PAF to gather the donations from the walk-in individuals who are willing to help.

While the Legazpi City Lions Club Oplan Taal members donated P28,000 for families affected by eruption.

Some local government units in Albay promised to bring goods, and dried fish for their chosen adopted community in Batangas and Cavite.

Mayor Allan Arandia of Pioduran will personally lead the humanitarian mission in Cavita and Batangas, bringing several truckloads of dried fish and other food assistance intended for evacuees.

The Ako Bicol partylist and its volunteers will also be sending a humanitarian team for relief distribution and feeding programs in Batangas and Cavite where the group will be staying for a weeklong mission.