U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim visits World Vision relief ops for Taal Volcano-affected families in Batangas

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim, joined by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) officials and partner agency World Vision, visited ongoing emergency relief response activities in one of the evacuation centers in Nasugbu, Batangas last January 22.

Ambassador Kim also announced their commitment of $100,000 to fund immediate relief drive through USAID’s implementing partner World Vision.

“I’m inspired by the strength and resilience of these families who faced such devastation and loss following the volcanic eruption. As friends, partners, and allies to the Philippines, we will continue to support our Philippine government counterparts as they work to address the needs of those communities most affected by the eruption,” said Ambassador Kim.

USAID’s funding assistance aims to provide emergency relief to 1,900 households or approximately 7,600 individuals who fled from the danger zones surrounding Taal Volcano and are sheltered in Nasugbu, Batangas.

World Vision, represented by its National Director Rommel V. Fuerte, expressed his gratitude to the honorable ambassador and USAID partners for the generous support and trust.

“World Vision Philippines deeply appreciates the support given by the United States Agency for International Development to the children and families affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano. Indeed, no challenge is so immense when brothers and sisters work together to help uplift the lives of so many people. Thank you also to US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim for the solidarity with our government and the whole Filipino nation. God bless us all,” Fuerte shared. World Vision has so far reached 1,200 families, one week after Taal Volcano caused massive ashfall and volcanic threat last Jan 12.

World Vision has been on the ground since day one, assessing and coordinating with local authorities to provide evacuees with identified emergency needs such as hygiene kits (bath and laundry soaps, toothbrushes and toothpastes, sanitary packs, nail cutter, undergarments and malong or tube skirt), non-food items (mosquito net, mats and blanket), dust mask and drinking water. World Vision has also set up Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS), conducting fun games and art activities, to help children cope from the situation and Taal’s unrest. To also help families recover, World Vision also looks into facilitating cash-for-work programmes, especially for those who permanently lost their homes and livelihood.

To support the affected children and their families, click this link to go to World Vision’s donation page: https://wvph.co/DonateForTaal. You may also call World Vision at (02) 8372-7777 or (0917) 866-4824.



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