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Batangas LGU raises concern over costs of food, relocation for Taal evacuees


Amid Taal Volcano's unrest, an official from the Batangas Provincial Government admitted that the LGU is mulling over the costs of food and relocation expenses- which could reach P200 million per day- for nearly one million displaced evacuees.

"Iisipin natin, pagkain, dalawandaang piso bawat isa na 'yan. Isang araw, isang tao, dalawandaan. So dalawandaan, dalawandaang milyon araw-araw," said Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, in an interview with Chino Gaston in his report on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Thursday.

There is a notable increase in the number of evacuees in Batangas who are getting sick, some suffer from cough, colds and fever due to the ash from Taal volcano.

"Cough and colds po talaga. Tapos sa pagtagal po dito sa evacuation center, kalimitan po talaga nagda-diarrhea na 'yung mga pasyente namin," said Department of Health (DOH) nurse Mary Grace Velasquez.

But there are no patients who are in serious condition.

This is because one of the issues the local government addressed is the provision of appropriate medicines and medical facilities for the evacuees.

Such is the case in Bauan Technical High School, which has a mobile infirmary and enough medical supply.

Officials said permanent relocation sites have already been set up for displaced evacuees, who used to live near the volcano island.

On Thursday, the PHIVOLCS noted reduced sulfur dioxide emissions and fewer volcanic earthquakes, but maintained Alert Level 4 on Taal Volcano. This means that a hazardous eruption is possible within hours to days. — Angelica Y. Yang/BAP, GMA News