Naga to give P1M aid to Taal eruption victims

NAGA CITY -- Just three days after Taal Volcano erupted on Sunday, Jan. 12, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here has approved the allocation of P1 million as financial assistance to the thousands of families affected by the volcano eruption.

Naga SP headed by Vice Mayor Cecilia “Nene” de Asis passed City Ordinance No. 2020-002, appropriating P1 million as financial assistance to the heavily devastated cities and municipalities in Batangas and Cavite during its regular session held Tuesday, Jan. 14.

According to Mayor Nelson Legacion, he talked to the members of the council to pass an ordinance in order to help our fellowmen in the Calabarzon, particularly Batangas and other residents who evacuated within the 14-kilometer radius of Taal Volcano, and who were heavily devastated by the ashfall and volcanic quakes. “We made it best to extend assistance. We requested the SP, and yesterday at the regular session, the SP passed Ordinance No. 2020-002,” Legacion said.

The Mayor said that initially, they have identified the towns heavily affected by the eruption. These include the towns of Lemery, Agoncillo in Batangas province, and Tagaytay city.

As to whether the amount will be in cash or in-kind, Legacion said that they will have to coordinate with the local chief executives of the areas as they are the ones who know the situation better.

“I understand they have difficulties in procuring items within their area, or it may be easier if we purchase it here, and if they have such request, then we will bring the items there. Otherwise, it would be convenient on our part if we send cash,” he said.

Just like in the past, the Naga City government has been extending assistance to provinces devastated by calamities like the eruption of Mayon Volcano and earthquakes in Mindanao. (JRM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

Vice Mayor Cecilia “Nene” de Asis presides the approval of the city ordinance allocating P1 million financial assistance to Taal Volcano eruption victims during the city council’s regular session on Jan. 14.(Photo courtesy of Sangguniang Panlungsod-Naga)