In coordination with Lipa Archdiocesan Social Action (LASAC), Canossa Academy extended help to the families affected by the Phreatomagmatic eruptions of Taal Volcano on April 5. The said situation forced the families residing nearby the volcano to leave and evacuate to the areas provided by the local Government of Batangas.
One of these evacuation centers, which is in Coral na Munti Elementary School in Agoncillo, Batangas was visited and given help by the school community of Canossa Academy. It became possible with the support of the whole Canossa Educative Community, alumni and friends and through our coordination with LASAC who in turn referred us to the Parish of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Agoncillo, having Fr. Eriberto Cabrera as Parish Priest and Ms. Evelyn Magpantay as Coordinator of the Social Service Ministry. The Canossian Sisters led by Sr. Gliceria Manuyag and Sr. Elsa Asentista with lay school administrators personally brought the goods composed of food, hygiene kits, and beddings. They also took the chance to encounter the families.
The goods given were not individually packed since there are persons who take charge of cooking food intended for all the evacuees. A total of 136 families were given assistance; 127 families from Barangay Bañaga and Bilibinwang, Batangas who are staying in the evacuation area, and 9 families who stays with their relatives living in Brgy. Gitna, Agoncillo. They expressed their gratitude and joy for the blessings given to them. In the course of their sharing, the families shared their fears, sadness, uncertainties, and most especially their pains as they see their children suffering the discomfort of being in the evacuation center. In all these situations, their only HOPE is in GOD, whom they believe has never abandoned them in these times of difficulties and uncertainties.
– Sr. Aurea De Vera IV, FdCC
