THE Ayala Foundation, together with partners from local communities and the business sector, has started its relief initiatives for families affected and displaced by the recent eruption of Taal Volcano in Luzon.
On January 16, Ayala Foundation's partners and volunteers came together to provide nutritious meals, hygiene kits, water, and other relief items for families evacuated from affected areas in Agoncillo, Lemery, and Taal, Batangas.
Volunteers from Ayala Foundation's Centex education program in Batangas, as well as representatives from the Ayala group, provided meals for families staying at the Bauan Central School, West Bauan Elementary School, and Manghinao Elementary School, all in Bauan, Batangas.
Also, it partnered with GMA Kapuso Foundation for the distribution of relief items including hygiene kits, food, and water, to evacuees staying at Alagao Elementary School and Inicbulan Elementary School, also in Bauan, Batangas.
Manila Water Foundation also provided drinking water for affected families.
"We at the Ayala group join the rest of the nation in praying for and helping the families and communities affected by the Taal eruption," Ayala Foundation President Ruel Maranan said.
"We will continue to work with national and local government agencies to be responsive to the actual needs of our fellow Filipinos during these challenging times," he added.
As soon as the imminent eruption of Taal Volcano hit the news, the Ayala group deployed its resources to help affected communities in Batangas and Cavite.
Manila Water dispatched water tankers from its Quezon City headquarters to provide clean water for evacuees. The tankers, regularly refilled by Laguna Water, are stationed near evacuation centers.
Globe Telecom set up Libreng Tawag and Charging Centers in different Cavite barangays, and is ready to set up more call and charging stations, as needed.
Ayala Foundation is organizing more relief initiatives in the coming weeks, it added. (PR)