In light of the devastation that Taal Volcano unleashed on Batangas and nearby areas, independent fuel company Cleanfuel has launched its relief efforts to assist thousands of families affected by the volcanic eruption.

Cleanfuel, the brand known for providing “Quality Fuel for Less,” stepped up and mobilized relief aides and supplies to the local government unit in Lemery and Silang, Cavite where the company distributed bottled water, clothes, medicines, food, relief packs, toiletries, and other essentials that displaced residents need in their day-to-day lives.

“We are one with those who are affected by this crisis,” said Atty. Bong Suntay, President of Cleanfuel. “We are very grateful to launch these operations to help our kababayans in time of need. This project wouldn’t be possible without the help of our employees who volunteered and joined without any hesitation to extend their hand and to support the victims of Taal.”

Suntay expressed his confidence and hope that Batangueños will eventually overcome the challenges they are currently enduring. “The Taal eruption brings big damages to millions of lives in Batangas. Against all odds, Filipinos still uphold the old-fashioned bayanihan spirit. The overflowing generosity and acts of kindness to help thousands of Taal victims proves this. If there’s anything mightier than the wrath of Taal eruption, it is the hope of almost all Filipinos that one day we will rise together stronger than before.”

The first batch of relief operations were distributed in Lemery, Batangas. Through the help of Lemery town mayor Eulalio “Larry” Alilio, the volunteers assisted and delivered the relief goods to each local government unit coordinator and barangay captain serving the affected areas.

Municipal Councilor Aris Kenneth Punzalan, who headed the disaster coordination efforts, expressed his gratitude for Cleanfuel’s facilitating and sending the first batch of relief to Lemery. “We’re delighted that a private company such as Cleanfuel is extending its efforts to send aid to our municipality. It is heart-warming and inspiring. As you can see, we’re the rescue city in the nearby towns, and now because of the massive smog of volcanic ash, the city has declared total lockdown.” 

“Lemery has a total population of 93,000 individuals spread across 46 barangays. Almost 80 percent of the population were affected and we are retrieving families in the area for safe relocation,” adds Councilor Punzalan.

The Cleanfuel team of volunteers also visited Silang, Cavite, which was placed under state of calamity due to the volcano’s restiveness. The volunteer group directly deployed food and goods to Barangay Pasong Langka, which has a total of 8,000 displaced families. Silang serves as a temporary location site for evacuees in Batangas.

Aside from the relief operations, Cleanfuel also conducted animal rescue missions for the four-legged residents who had to be left behind by their owners in the affected areas.

“It’s hard to imagine leaving our pets behind in this time of crisis. We are one with everyone—even extending our best efforts to help feed and shelter pets. We know how important they are to the evacuees so we are doing our best, together with other task force, in providing assistance to rescue their pets amid a devastating volcanic eruption,” explained Atty. Suntay.