Families who evacuated Taal for over a year request permanent residence

Helen Miranda’s family, formerly living on Taal Volcano Island, has been in evacuation for more than 1 year.

Tents and patchwork tarpaulins first served as their shelter.

“Noong unang pumutok, kami’y tarantang taranta. Kung ano na lang makita mo, dadamputin mo. Nagpanic na kami,” said Miranda.

“Nagtitiis anong buhay mayroon kami dito pero napakahirap,” she added.

According to Miranda, they even tried to return to the island but were not allowed because it has been declared a permanent danger zone.

“Nakakaiyak na ganoon ang nangyari sa aming lugar. Daming memories doon,” she said.

At the evacuation center in Talisay, Batangas, more than 100 families evacuated from Volcano Island after Taal Volcano erupted last year.

They allegedly called for permanent housing.

Although many evacuees have already found new jobs, it is still difficult for them to start again.

“May nagsasabi na maghintay daw po… Level 3 na naman ang bulkan. ‘Di ko alam saan na naman kami pupunta,” said Merlina Manguinao.

Families who evacuated Taal for over a year request permanent residence

“Saan nanaman po kami dadalhin? Wala kaming lupa at bahay. Kailangan namin ng tulong ng gobyerno,” said Mariasalve Corobella.

Talisay Vice Mayor Charlie Natanauan explained that they have already seen a relocation site, but the project has not yet started due to the number of requirements.

Natanuan apologized because the evacuation of evacuees may take longer.

“Ang pagpapalipat ng evacuees ay hindi ko po masasabi kung kailan,” said Natanauan.

“Hanggang ngayon nandun pa rin ang lugar pero hindi pa rin tumatakbo ang proyekto kasi andaming requirements ng [National Housing Authority],” she added.

In the town of Balete, although not yet included in the high-risk areas, some residents of Barangay San Sebastian have fled due to the eruption of the Taal Volcano.