The Provincial Government of Batangas has taken advantage of the ‘mass gathering’ in evacuation centers of residents affected by the Taal Volcano rumblings to conduct vaccination against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Based on the latest data, at least 40 evacuees from Agoncillo town were already inoculated with the first dose of vaccine while at least 100 evacuees from Laurel town were also vaccinated.
Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas earlier pushed for the inoculation of thousands of evacuees from the towns of Laurel, Agoncillo, Balete, Nasugbu and Talisay amid concerns of their health safety.
The vaccination of evacuees is expected to continue in the coming days as residents are still being prevented from going home due to threat of hazardous eruption any time.
Based on the latest data, there are nearly 4,000 evacuees currently staying in various evacuation centers in the five towns, most of them are from Laurel town.
The Batangas Police Provincial Office stated in its report that it has sent more policemen in the evacuation centers to ensure the health safety of the evacuees, especially to prevent the possible spread of the coronavirus.
“Regular patrolling is being conducted in Agoncillo and Laurel to ensure security and order in said affected areas. Checkpoint Operation on control point leading to Barangays inside the 7 km danger zone and patrolling being undertaken to ensure security in the area,” its report read.