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2020, TAAL VOLCANO ERUPTION
TAAL RELIEF OPERATION AT TUY BATANGAS
After surveying different evacuation centers. Tzu Chi Foundation proceed to Tuy, Batangas to distribute relief goods to those affected by the Taal Volcano Eruption.
70 Tzu Chi volunteers went to Tuy, Batangas on January 28, 2020 to distribute Rice, Taiwan blankets, Food and juices, Utensils and Hygiene kits to more than 600 families staying both at the evacuation Centers of Tuy Municipal Hall and Jose Zabarte Elementary School.
Volunteers and staff gathered at the Quezon City headquarters as early as 3:30 am. 3 truckloads of rice, blankets and other basic necessities were loaded the day before for this relief operation. The convoy of bus, vans and trucks carrying volunteers and relief goods took more than 4 hours to arrive at the Tuy Municipal Hall in Batangas.
900 families were expected at the two evacuation centers, but with the Volcano Alert Level lower to Level 3 the day before, many families have decided to go home immediately.
Most of the evacuees were so happy with what Tzu Chi Foundation has brought for them. Aside from Blankets made with PET bottles from Taiwan, food and juices compliment of Oishi Company, Utensils and Hygiene kits were part of the relief goods brought to the site.
Each family with 1-2 members was allocated 20 kilos rice; 3-4 members received 40 kilos rice and families with 5 members and above received 50 kilos rice.
Raquel Magsino of Mataas ng Bayan in Lemery, Batangas was very thankful that the foundation addressed their needs as evacuees and she cannot ask for more.
Melona Tordecilla from Calaca, Batangas was thankful to Master Cheng Yen and all the Tzu Chi donors for helping them in their time of needs.
The relief operation was conducted in a very orderly manner, with volunteers extending their love and care to the recipients by sharing Tzu Chi stories with them, singing, dancing and praying with them like they are their long-lost family members. Their sincere gestures touched the hearts of the recipients and many of them were in disbelieve that there is a foundation that really care for them.