THE European Union (EU) has donated 750,000 euros or P42 million assistance to Filipinos affected by the Taal volcano eruption in Batangas.
In a statement, Janez Lenarcic, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, said the budget seeks to provide shelter, non-food items, water, sanitation and hygiene, and psycho-social support.
"This contribution will support the local government of Batangas and our humanitarian partners on the ground in providing crucial support to those who have lost their shelters, belongings and sources of livelihoods in the wake of the eruption of the Taal Volcano," the commissioner said.
"The EU stands ready to support the people of the Philippines and ensure affected people get protection and have enough means to survive through this difficult time and get back to their feet at the earliest possible," he added.
There are at least 63,000 people temporarily sheltered in 415 evacuation centers.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the threat of Taal Volcano continues despite lowering the alert status from four to three.
It added that they have recorded a harmonic tremor, or rhythmic shaking associated with magma movement on Thursday.
"The harmonic tremor is an indication na may umaakyat pang magma," Phivolcs director Renato Solidum Jr. said. (SunStar Philippines)