Barangay II, Mataasnakahoy, Batangas
April 4, 2022

“Bearing the lessons we have learned from the eruption in January 2020, I directed to establish evacuation centers in the affected local government units like Lipa City, Tanauan, and municipalities of Malvar, Talisay and Laurel,” said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as he inspected the Mataasnakahoy Evacuation Center, one of three evacuation centers strategically located in three municipalities within Batangas outside the danger zone of a Taal Volcano eruption, as part of government efforts to boost the country’s disaster preparedness.

Constructed through the BALAI (Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable and Inclusive Filipino Communities) Assistance Program of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the evacuation center can accommodate at least 150 families or around 600 individuals and can fit approximately 106 modular tents inside.

It was designed based on standards approved by President Duterte and has key amenities and facilities such as an administrative office, storage room, kitchen and mess hall, children’s area, clinic, prayer room, separate female and male comfort rooms, and conjugal rooms, among others.

“Now that we are experiencing challenges brought by the recent eruptions of Taal Volcano, I am confident that the evacuation center in Mataasnakahoy will be of great service to our affected kababayans. I commend the people who have worked hard to complete this center with a strong sense of urgency. This would not have been possible without your passion and dedication – kayong lahat na nagtulong-tulong dito,” the President stressed in his keynote message.

On 31 March 2022, DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario led the inauguration and turnover of the Mataasnakahoy Evacuation Center to the local government unit.

“It is during these times that the bayanihan spirit burns even brighter in the hearts of Filipinos. It is when we become heroes for one another, demonstrating the highest form of compassion for our people. Let us always keep our momentum towards building a better and more resilient nation for everyone…With our strength and solidarity, we can overcome all forms of trials and problems that test our character,” President Duterte concluded in his speech.

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