Davao could be a possible alternative home of people affected by Taal Volcano explosion in Batangas, President Duterte said Monday.
The President has urged the Taal calamity victims to consider relocating to his home province if Taal Volcano will continue its eruptive activity.
Duterte made the invitation after distributing relief assistance to families staying at an evacuation center in Sto. Tomas, Batangas Monday afternoon. It was the second visit of the President to the province since the volcano’s ash explosion last week.
“Kung puputok ulit ‘yan nang puputok nang puputok, puputok-putok, lumipat na lang kayo sa Davao. Maraming Batangueño doon. Totoo. At malawak pa ang lugar doon,” he said in his remarks.
Duterte however told the Batangas residents who wish to move to Davao that they would have to contend with Mt. Apo, the country’s highest mountain. He said Mt. Apo is not considered an active volcano but recognized the danger if the mountain wakes up from its slumber and erupts.
“Nandoon ang pinakamalaking volcano sa Pilipinas. At makita mo ‘yan kung walang… On a clear day, makita mo talaga ‘yang – ang Mount Apo. Sa kalaki niya parang nasa tabi mo lang,” he said.
“Pagputok niyan, aabot ‘yung ulo mo sa Pasay. Totoo. But it’s not active actually. Meron noon may mga apoy-apoy but that was it then. Kung ‘yon ang pumutok, kayo naman ang tutulong sa amin,” he said.
Duterte also said Davao is also blessed with vast fertile land and good climate that contribute to stable agricultural production.
“Iyong mga farmers diyan sa – magaganda ang produkto nila. That’s why Davao has been blessed with a fertile land. Ang Davao, diyan banda sa eastern Mindanao, umuulan gabi-gabi. ‘Yung shower lang every night,” he said.
The President, meanwhile, assured the families affected by Taal Volcano’s unrest that the government would continue to provide prompt assistance. (Genalyn Kabiling)
