Ayala group helps Taal Volcano evacuees

The Ayala group of companies has immediately mobilized resources to assist families affected by Taal Volcano’s renewed seismic activity.

Through Ayala Foundation, the Ayala group provided food and non-food items for families staying in three evacuation centers in Talisay, Batangas on February 17 and 18.

According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office of Batangas, 406 families or 2,030 individuals living on Taal Volcano Island (called “Pulo” by locals) were brought to evacuation centers in barangays Tumaway, Poblacion, and Aya.

Among the items distributed were canned good and instant noodles, toys and clothing, and 5,000 protective face masks. Five hundred washable Magiting Face Masks, produced by Ayala Foundation as part of its Maging Magiting advocacy for nationalism, were also distributed.

Manila Water Foundation and Globe Telecom also provided support for displaced families. For its part, Manila Water Foundation brought 500 units of 5-gallon water bottles, while Globe set up “Dyip Sagip” stations, providing “libreng tawag,” phone charging, and WiFi connectivity in evacuation areas.

Since the eruption of Taal Volcano in January 2020, the Ayala group has been providing much needed help for affected communities.

As much as P11.4 million was mobilized to provide immediate relief for 4,000 families or 20,000 individuals.

Part of the support was the distribution of 10 Kia 2500 Vans from AC Motors. These vans continue to be used by the recipient communities for relief and other public service activities.

Batangas was also one of the areas served by the Ayala group’s nationwide Brigada ng Ayala initiative, which supports public school teachers and students as they adapt to the new normal of education.

In Batangas alone, Brigada ng Ayala covered 78 public schools, providing e-learning kits for 1,740 teachers and “Ayala EduCare” learning and hygiene kits for 9,417 students.

To date, Brigada ng Ayala has expanded its reach nationwide, reaching 258 schools and serving 5,649 teachers and 21,123 students.

The Ayala group also provided food assistance for 2,000 families from Batangas communities affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Rolly in November 2020.

As Taal’s seismic activity continues, the Ayala group regularly coordinates with the office of Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, as well as with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Association of Barangay Captains.