By Prince Golez

President Rodrigo Duterte has issued a proclamation declaring a state of calamity in Calabarzon due to the eruption of Taal Volcano.

“The State of Calamity shall remain in force and effect for one year unless sooner lifted in accordance with the law,” said Duterte in signing Proclamation No. 906 last February 21, 2020.

The proclamation directs all departments and other concerned agencies to implement and execute rescue, recovery, relief, and rehabilitation work in accordance with pertinent operations plans and directives.

They are also tasked to coordinate with, and provide or augment the basic services and facilities of, affected local government units.

The President likewise ordered law enforcement agencies to undertake all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas.

“The volcanic activity of Taal Volcano has caused widespread damage to properties and poses great risks and danger to the health and safety of the people living near the region around Taal Volcano,” he said.

Nearly 500,000 persons in the provinces of Batangas, Quezon, Laguna, and Cavite were affected when Taal erupted on January 12.