Department of Geography launched donation drive for evacuees of the Taal volcano eruption

On 15 January 2020, a few days after the phreatic eruption of Taal volcano, the Department of Geography launched a donation drive for the at risk communities. The first batch of donations that were dropped off at Palma Hall Room 104 was taken to Alfonso, Cavite on January 19 by a faculty member of the department. Thirty-five packs consisting of toiletries and hygienic items, canned goods, and food were delivered by volunteers to Barangay Luksuhin Ibaba and Barangay Buck Estate in Alfonso, and Barangay Sta. Maria in Laurel, Batangas.  Families who accommodated their relatives were also provided with blankets, sweaters, canned goods, rice, and drinking water. Families with children and infant were provided with medicines, diapers, and clothes.  

Volunteers pack and load the donated items at the basement of Palma Hall.

The donations were delivered to the host families in Alfonso for repacking and distribution.

These households are hosting 7 to 15 families– mostly from As-is, Laurel and the town of Agoncillo. The host families are each marked with a yellow icon in the map below (location plotted on Google Map). As the map suggests, the houses of the host families are also situated at a high-risk distance from Taal volcano.

Map of host families marked with a yellow icon. Data plotted on Google Maps.

The second batch of donations consisting of food supplies, water, and clothes were planned to be distributed to affected families that are temporarily sheltered by their hosts in the southern barangays of Alfonso –  areas that are closest to the locked-down towns of Laurel, Talisay, and Agoncillo. 

A resident of Alfonso with an elderly evacuee he is hosting talks to a volunteer.


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The department is still accepting donations. The following items are urgently needed:

- sweaters and jackets

- medicine (especially cough syrup for children, Paracetamol , antihistamine for allergies, painkillers such as Ibuprofen or Mefenamic Acid)

- beddings, blankets, pillows, banig

- toiletries, especially toothpaste and soap

- diapers for 3-4 y.o. children

- battery-operated flashlights

- canned goods

The department thanks all those who donated and contributed their time, effort and resources to help indigent communities impacted by this volcanic disaster.