Taal eruption causes damage to national roads and other infrastructure

MANILA: Recent times haven't been well enough for the Filipinos as the eruption from the Taal Volcano has ended up affecting numerous lives as well as various properties. Since nothing is left unaffected, many of the national roads and other infrastructures have also witnessed scars because of the eruption. Fortunately enough, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has already begun inspecting the various national roads as well as bridges for the damages.

According to the report published on January 14, 2020, by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Batangas First District Engineering Office, the likes of the K0127+430 section in Barangay Palanas, in Lemery, Batangas, and the Palico-Balayan-Batangas Road, K0121+520 and K0121+630, in Barangay Sinisian East are said to be having cracks. However, the roads were still deemed as safe enough for travelling.

Warning signs for the drivers and the workers stationed in the affected regions have already been placed by the DPWH and the cleansing of ash is on full throttle. However, any work related to the repair of the damaged roads and other infrastructure will not commence until ground movement and ashfall continues. Lemery-Taal Diversion Road, K0128+(-80), K0128+550 section has suffered major cracks and repairs will be performed by the DPWH once the inspection is completed.

Another organisation striving hard to help the affected is the PHAPCares Foundation. A branch of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), the PHAPCares Foundation is working in tandem with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and has already donated over 16,500 face masks, medicines, and drinking water to evacuation centres in Sto. Tomas and Padre Garcia. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), around 18,187 people are seeking temporary shelters in 76 evacuation centres.

"We are aware that the health of our countrymen could be compromised as a result of the volcanic eruption. Augmenting needed medical supplies such as face masks and medicines are important to cushion the possible health consequences of the volcanic activity on the people and our emergency responders", said PHAPCares Foundation president Jannette Jakosalem.

Affected people in the Batangas province were attended by a rescue team from the MMDA. Besides, face mask, N-95 masks, and goggles were provided to MMDA Deputy Chairman Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr as well. "We thank PHAPCares Foundation for the much-needed face masks, medicines and goggles which are running out of stock and sadly, being sold at a higher price because of the calamity. It is a must for every responder to wear masks and goggles for added protection", said San Juan.

Dr Rosarita Quijano-Siasoco, who is the PHAPCares executive director, stated that the major concern for them is the effects of the ash fall, ground tremors, and displacement, especially to the health of women, children, elderly people, and those who already possess health issues. "The Foundation along with our members will continue to closely monitor and assess the needs in anticipation of more people being affected by the eruption", added Quijano-Siasoco.

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