On February 19, 2020, with Mr. Harris and Joseph Ibe, our longtime friend and driver went to Talisay, Batangas at one of the three evacuation centers. Our first stop in Talisay, Batangas was at the former Vice Mayor Malabanan Sierra resort. There, we met his wife and advised us about the closest Evacuees Center, the TUMAWAY EVACUATION Center. It was about a 10 minutes drive from the resort. These evacuees are from the island (Taal Volcano). There were 229 families, the number of people were 941. During my visit the Mayor of Talisay and his wife were there. There was a group leader with the 229 family and each was divided into 16 groups and each group had their leader.

When I asked the group leaders what we can donate, at that time she advised us to bring them instant food (re-pack meal hot meal) because most of them can’t cook yet. These 229 family live inside a tent. A gentleman who I say is also a balikbayan like me who brought their donations, and whispered that if I haven’t bought any of our donations, just give them CASH because it’s more needed.

With that note, I decided to donate CASH. Our donation was divided amongst the 229 families, P300.00 each.