New life begins amid hardships in evacuation centers

New lives emerged in the midst of the most difficult birthing places, such as evacuation centers.

Families of the new-born babies see them as fresh hopes amid the Taal Vocano unrest, which displaced them from their homes and livelihood, according to a report by Mariz Umali on "24 Oras" Monday.

In an evacuation center in Lian, Batangas, two mothers gave birth to their babies.

Lea Fuentes-Torres, one of the mothers, said she was scared at first and even wished that the baby would not come out just yet.

"Sobrang takot siyempre buntis. Sana 'wag muna kakong lumabas habang nag-aalburoto ang bulkan," she said.

Torres nicknamed her newborn "Mark Lindol" because she gave birth to him in the middle of an earthquake.

"Masaya na makita 'yong anak ko. Nakakalimutan ko 'yong problema," she said.

Meanwhile, Sherylene Bendaña said despite her fear about giving birth amid the eruption, seeing her child renewed her hope.

"Masaya ako na nakita ko si baby na malusog parang bagong pag-asa, ligaya. Nawala 'yong lungkot at takot," she said.

At Bagong Pook Elementary School, evacuees came up with their own little
ways to live normal lives.

Some evacuees sang their hearts out, while some played volleyball.

Manicure and pedicure services were also given free by several private groups.

In the midst of the ongoing calamity, evacuees still managed to put smiles on their faces.

Meanwhile, donations for the evacuees continued to pour, courtesy of groups who travelled all the way to Batangas.

"Gusto ko ipahiwatig na kahit may sarili kaming struggles, nandito kami kasi sobrang saya tumulong," Dr. Roger Rosete said.

Alert Level 4 is still remains over Taal Volcano, which means hazardous explosive eruption may possibly occur within hours or days.

Batangas, Cavite and Tagaytay City were already declared under state of calamities. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News