BATANGAS PROVINCE - The Department of Energy (DOE) yesterday (20 January) visited evacuation centers in Tanauan City as part of the agency’s assessment activities in the aftermath of Taal Volcano’s eruption last week. 

Upon the directive of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, assessment teams were deployed to visit various areas in Cavite and Batangas to determine the energy situation and needs of the evacuees. 

Led by Assistant Secretary Robert B. Uy and Electric Power Industry Management Bureau Director Mario C. Marasigan, the DOE contingent continued to engage with local government officials and volunteers for all relevant information that would help the DOE immediately address all energy concerns. This included electrical inspections of service drops; panel conditions; and load types of lighting, fans, and charging to ensure that proper power services are being provided in the evacuation centers. The DOE also distributed emergency lights, portable solar power lamps, solar power banks, and clothing to volunteers in appreciation for their unwavering dedication and hard work.  

In general, most evacuation centers visited have no power and fuel supply issues in their areas.  

The DOE assures the public that it is closely monitoring the energy situation in the affected provinces, and is continuously coordinating with the distribution utilities and local government units for contingency measures should problems arise in the future. 

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