THE Ayala group has mobilized its units to assist local governments in relief operations for the affected communities by the Taal volcano eruption.
In a statement Monday, the conglomerate said its water arm Manila Water Co., Inc. has ordered its operating units in Laguna and Batangas to work with the Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to deliver 30 water tankers in evacuation centers. This is on top of the 2,000 five-gallon bottled water that MWC is sending initially to the area.
Manila Water affiliate Laguna Water through wholly owned subsidiary Manila Water Philippine Ventures has also ordered its employees to evacuate its Silang office on Sunday night.
The property arm of the Ayala group, listed Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI), likewise joined in the efforts by waiving overnight parking fees and offering free Wi-Fi connection in Ayala Malls in Metro Manila and Calabarzon yesterday.
In the more closely affected Ayala Malls Solenad and Ayala Malls Nuvali in Tagaytay, ALI has offered its cinema building ground floor to customers that need a place to stay.
Ayala-led telecommunications firm Globe Telecom, Inc. also helped in the group-wide efforts by running its network at full capacity in all affected areas by the calamity.
Healthcare unit Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. has also been told to stay alert to supply medicine, medical supplies, first aid and medical consultation in case the situation worsens.
“More relief efforts are underway as the Ayala group continues to work with relevant LGUs to meet the immediate needs of the affected communities,” the company said in the statement.
Taal Volcano, the Philippines’ second most active volcano located south of Metro Manila in Batangas, erupted Sunday afternoon and has remained active through Monday.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has ordered total evacuation of residents in high-risk areas within a 14-kilometer radius from the volcano’s main crater. — Denise A. Valdez
