Tagaytay asks for donations of cleaning supplies, reusable utensils for Taal evacuees

The Tagaytay City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Cavite appealed for donations of cleaning supplies and reusable utensils for its evacuation centers housing Taal evacuees, according to a report by Mav Gonzales on GMA News TV's Balitanghali Weekend on Sunday.

The said office is trying to minimize the amount of trash collected at evacuation centers and would rather use reusable cups, plates and utensils rather than paper plates.

The cleaning supplies will be used for the restrooms and the areas where evacuees stay.

As of Sunday, 5,721 evacuees remain at the city's three evacuation centers.

The Department of Health reminded authorities to keep evacuation centers clean to prevent the spread of diseases.

Each evacuation center has medical personnel to attend to evacuees' health needs.

Those who are sick are brought to the Ospital ng Tagaytay to check if a patient is contagious and need to be isolated.

A medical mission was also conducted to attend to evacuees.

Meanwhile, the city started its cash for work program for evacuees who lost their livelihood, such as horse jockeys and small store owners.

They were asked to clean schools and other public facilities and cook food for other evacuees in exchange for cash payment. 

Evacuees meanwhile have adjusted to life at the evacuation centers, with some of them seen hanging up clothes and cooking. There were also children playing.

Many of them were from Laurel, Batangas, and have been at the Tagaytay evacuation centers for a week now since Taal Volcano first spewed ash on Sunday, Jan. 12.

Evacuees said they are fine except that there is a lack of water supply and children have no choice but sleep on cartons.

Children however are given opportunities to exercise such as basketball.

The city also offered counseling services to evacuees traumatized by Taal Volcano's activity. 

Tagaytay City officials are preparing for long-term evacuation, thus donations of relief goods are directed to the donation hub of the city hall first. —KG, GMA News