BATANGAS PROVINCE - The Department of Energy (DOE) is currently in Batangas to assess the energy situation and extend all the assistance necessary in the towns affected by the eruption of the Taal Volcano earlier this week.

Visits were made to various schools, city center, barangay halls and gymnasium which serve as evacuation centers.

Assistant Secretary Robert B. Uy and Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB) Director Mario C. Marasigan headed the DOE contingent, which was composed of teams led by Power Market Supervising Antonio Barcelona, OIC Division Chief Marc Louie Olap, and Senior Science Research Specialist Mark Christian Marollano with technical bureau personnel.

Meetings with officials from the local government unit (LGU) of Sto. Tomas Batangas, including Municipal Mayor Edna Padilla-Sanchez, as well as evacuation center officials and volunteers were held to get the most updated information on the various LGU's needs.

There were also discussions to help ensure that no predatory practices, such as overpricing of petroleum products are taking place in the area. 

It may be recalled that the entire provinces of Batangas and Cavite have been placed under the State of Calamity (SOC), thereby putting a price freeze on household liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene products for 15 days upon the SOC's declaration.

Other areas affected by Taal's eruption such as Tanauan, Batangas and Tagaytay Cities will also be visited by the Department tomorrow (18 January) and Sunday (19 January). 

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