Gov’t prepares for possible Taal eruption

Amid heightened seismic activity and warning signs from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has intensified its disaster preparedness measures in anticipation of a possible eruption of Taal Volcano.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) assured the public on Monday, July 7, that both the Central Office and Field Office (FO)-CALABARZON are ready to provide swift assistance should the volcano erupt.

“This is among our initial response as soon as the PHIVOLCS warned of a possible Taal volcano eruption. Mapa-preparation or post-disaster response man ‘yan, we make sure that our lines with LGUs are always active dahil sila na nga rin po ang first-line of disaster responders sa kani-kanilang area of jurisdiction,” said Dumlao, who also serves as the agency's spokesperson.

On Sunday, 6 July, PHIVOLCS warned that increased real-time seismic energy measurements (RSAM) and low sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions may signal a possible eruption.

“We do not wish for the eruption to occur, but we are making sure that we are well-capacitated in case it happens. Gaya nga po ng laging ine-emphasize ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the government should be quick and omnipresent before, during, and after any type of disaster or emergency,” Dumlao added.

As part of its readiness efforts, DSWD FO-CALABARZON has already prepositioned 207,408 family food packs (FFPs) and 13,178 non-food items (NFIs), which include hygiene kits, kitchen sets, sleeping kits, and family clothing.

Dumlao said the Disaster Response Management Bureau’s (DRMB) Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and emergency equipment are on standby for immediate deployment if necessary. Meanwhile, the National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB) is continuously replenishing supplies to ensure resource augmentation for other field offices.

“Sa kabila ng kaliwa’t-kanang relief efforts natin sa iba’t-ibang panig ng bansa na apektado ng mga active weather systems, hindi bumababa ang family food packs (FFPs) natin nationwide under 3 million. Sa ilalim ng direktiba ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian, tuluy-tuloy ang pag-poproduce at pagre-replenish natin sa mga production hubs natin,” Dumlao said.

She also reminded residents near Lake Taal to remain vigilant and cooperate with their local government units to ensure their safety.