The provincial government of Pampanga will extend assistance to the residents of Batangas province affected by the eruption of Taal volcano.

Governor Dennis Pineda will lead on Monday night a 50-vehicle convoy of medical teams, social workers, rescue and search personnel to help in the evacuation of the affected residents.

A total of 241 volunteers from the provincial government and private sector will be in the group to extend medical and food assistance to the victims.

The provincial team will also bring some equipment and 8,500 food packs for displaced residents.

Pineda said this is the opportunity for the province to return the help and support given to them when Pampanga was devastated by disasters, particularly the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991.

“We Kapampangans are paying back. Noon pong pumutok ang bulkang Pinatubo, marami po ang tumulong sa amin para iligtas kami at makabangon. Ito pong pagtulong ay pasasalamat namin (When Mt. Pinatubo erupted, there are too many who helped to save us and recover again. This assistance is our thanksgiving),” Pineda said.

The governor recalled that when Pampanga was severely affected by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, the province also received donations and financial aids from various local government units (LGUs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations and from the national government.

“It’s time to give back the generosity and care of those who helped us before,” he added. (PNA)