MANILA, Philippines – Taal Volcano in Batangas is once again on Alert Level 3, signifying it is in a state of magmatic unrest, following a phreatomagmatic eruption last Saturday morning, March 26. The volcano had previously been on Alert Level 2 for eight months.
According to the Department of Health, 1,060 families or 3,850 individuals have been affected by the Taal Volcano unrest as of Tuesday, March 29.
Until now, the situation remains volatile. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) had long considered Taal Volcano Island a permanent danger zone, recommending evacuation for those in the island as well as several high-risk barangays in the municipalities of Agoncillo and Laurel.
Several organizations have begun donation drives and relief initiatives to provide for the needs of affected communities.
This is a running list of verified initiatives that you can support to help those affected.
GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
GMA Kapuso Foundation is distributing relief in evacuation centers in Agoncillo, Batangas. It is accepting both monetary and in-kind donations from Monday to Friday, 9 am until 6 pm.
For monetary donations, the foundation accepts cash or checks. An official receipt will be given to donors who bring their cash donation to the foundation’s office. For bank deposits, the donor is urged to fax or e-mail a bank transaction slip and their contact details for sending of official receipt. People are also welcome to donate via credit card.
Donation channels include Metrobank, Unionbank of the Philippines, United Coconut Planters Bank, Philippine National Bank, Banco de Oro, Bank of Commerce, and all branches of Cebuana Lhuillier in the Philippines. For account details, you may refer to the foundation’s website here.
The foundation also accepts in-kind donations such as rice, canned goods, noodles, food items, medicines, hygiene supplies, new clothes and footwear. These should fall within their prescribed 6-month expiry.
You may refer to the details below for the address and other needed information for in-kind donations:
GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
2nd Floor GMA Kapuso Center
GMA Network Drive cor. Samar Streets
Diliman, Quezon City 1103
Philippines
League of Filipino Students
The League of Filipino Students is accepting monetary donations for affected communities.
You may send your donations via:
- GCash
Account Name: Nina S.
Account No.: 09358047375
Lipa Archdiocesan Social Action Commission, Inc.
Lipa Archdiocesan Social Action Commission, Inc. (LASAC) is accepting monetary donations and in-kind donations for those in evacuation centers.
You may send your monetary donations via:
- Unionbank
Account Name: LASAC
Account No.: 0026-6000-4062
For GCash monetary donations, you may scan LASAC’s QR code below.
Send your proof of donation to finance@lasaclipa.org.
For in-kind donations, refer to the post below for more information:
For more details, visit their Facebook page or contact Malasakit Para sa Batangas Command Center at 09255595968.
People Management Association of the Philippines
The People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) is accepting monetary and in-kind donations for affected communities. They are accepting donations until Tuesday, April 12.
You may send your monetary donations to PMAP’s Metrobank account:
Account name: People Management Association of the Phils., Inc. (PMAP)
Account number: 254-3-25480476-3
Send your proof of donation to aya.wenceslao@pmap.org.ph or to toto.roldan@pmap.org.ph.
In-kind donations such as face masks, food packs, bottled water, medicine, hygiene kits, clothes, blankets, and other useful items may be dropped off at PMAP Center, 670 Lee St. Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City.
Rotaract Club of Batangas Mid-West
The Rotaract Club of Batangas Mid-West is organizing an emergency relief drive to help evacuees in Agoncillo and Laurel.
You may send your donations via these channels:
- BPI
Account Name: 0886 3774 75
Account No.: Don Carlo Bravo Cuya - BDO
Account Name: Jean Carlo Mojares
Account No.: 004630414773 - GCash
Account Name: Trisha Anne Louise Reyes
Account No.: 09618293033
– with reports from Andrea Abadia/Rappler.com
Do you know of other initiatives helping communities affected by the Taal Volcano unrest? Use the hashtag #ReliefPH or email them to move.ph@rappler.com.
Andrea Abadia is a Rappler volunteer from University of the Philippines Cebu. She is a junior majoring in Bachelor of Arts in Communication.