Thousands of relief packs coming here were delivered to areas in Batangas affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.

Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. led the convoy of four trucks–three truckloads of relief goods and one truck containing hygiene kits–and 12 passenger vehicles carrying a medical team and social workers, rescue and search personnel, and volunteers from city government that will help residents of Lipa City and the towns of Tuy and Balayan.

“May mga dala po tayong bigas, canned goods, toiletries, lahat po ng dinonate satin ng mga kababayan natin dito sa Angeles City, dadalhin po natin sa kanila (We have with us some rice, canned goods, toiletries. All of these were donated by our constituents in Angeles City. We will bring these to them,” Lazatin said prior to their departure.

He said that Angeles City is ready to extend its helping hand to the victims, since they also experienced devastation during the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991.

“Ito po ay isa lamang bagay na gusto naming suklian. Nadaanan po namin ang naranasan ninyo kaya kung ano pa pong tulong ang maibibigay namin para sa inyo, mga kapatid naming Batangueño, handang-handa po ang siyudad ng Angeles na tumulong sa inyo (This is just one thing we want to pay back. We experienced what is happening to you, thus whatever help we could give for you, our brothers and sisters in Batangas, the City of Angeles is ready to help you),” he added.

He also said the city’s medical team will conduct free check-ups to the families, as well as provide medicines.

“In dire need, we Filipinos must stand as one to help one another,” he said.

Lazatin also cited the generosity of his constituents in donating to the victims of Taal Volcano eruption, even before the city government asked for their help.

“Dahil po sa pagkakaisa ng bawat Angeleño, nakapagpadala po tayo ng tulong sa mga kapatid nating Batangueños. Salamat po sa inyong lahat (Through the cooperation of every Angeleño, we were able to send assistance to our brothers and sisters in Batangas. Thanks to all),” he said.

Last December, Angeles City also donated relief goods and PHP500,000 cash to each of 10 municipalities in North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Davao Del Sur, which were severely affected by the strong earthquakes last October. (PNA)