By Betheena Unite Thouands of face masks, bottles of water, food packs, and medicines for respiratory illnesses were provided by a health care company and a foreign Coast Guard force to evacuees and responders in Batangas amid the Taal Volcano eruption. Some16,500 face masks as well as medicines and drinking water were sent by PHAPCares Foundation to evacuation centers in Sto. Tomas and Padre Garcia, Batangas on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard has received 600 pieces of N95 face masks and boxes of food packs from the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) onboard CCG Vessel 5204, which is currently in the country for a port call visit. “We are aware that the health of our countrymen could be compromised as a result of the volcanic eruption. Augmenting needed medical supplies such as face masks and medicines is important to cushion the possible health consequences of the volcanic activity on the people and our emergency responders,” PHAPCares Foundation President Jannette Jakosalem said. The foundation, which is the corporate social responsibility arm of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), turned over the goods to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Face masks, N-95 masks, and goggles were also provided for the use of agency responders and crucial assets deployed to Batangas province to assist residents affected by the volcanic eruption.