Batangas City, Philippines — The Provincial Government of Batangas, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), convened a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting on October 1, 2025, as part of its proactive efforts in scenario planning for potential hazards associated with Taal Volcano activity and regional seismic events.
During the meeting, Mr. Paolo Reniva, Science Research Specialist from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), provided an expert briefing on the recent phreatomagmatic eruption recorded at Taal Volcano. The eruption occurred at approximately 2:02 AM and produced a volcanic plume reaching 2,500 meters high, dispersing northwestward. Despite this, Reniva assured the public that the event poses no immediate threat, and the volcano remains under Alert Level 1, signifying low-level volcanic unrest.
Reniva also clarified that the volcanic activity in Taal has no direct correlation with the recent earthquake experienced in Cebu.
Further insights were provided by Mr. Deo Llamas, also from DOST-PHIVOLCS, who delivered an orientation on regional seismicity. Llamas noted that seismic events from neighboring regions may impact Batangas if these disturbances interact with local fault systems. Among the active fault lines in the province are the Calatagan Fault, the Lobo Fault (comprising the Pinaghawahan and Jaybanga Segments), Calubcub Fault, Pulang Bato Fault, and the Batangas Bay Fault.
“There is a potential for seismic activity in other regions to activate local faults in Batangas, hence the need for heightened awareness and preparedness,” Llamas stated.
In response to these potential threats, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto formally encouraged all local government units (LGUs) within the province to conduct a comprehensive infrastructure audit. This initiative aims to assess and ensure the structural integrity of government buildings, public facilities, and other critical infrastructure.
“It is imperative that all LGUs evaluate the condition of their infrastructure to mitigate risks similar to those experienced in Cebu, where structural collapses were reported. We must prioritize the retrofitting and reinforcement of our facilities to safeguard lives and minimize property damage in the event of a strong earthquake,” Governor Santos-Recto emphasized.
Complementing the government’s preparedness initiatives, the Lipa Archdiocesan Social Action Commission (LASAC) has begun conducting Parish Risk Assessments across the province. According to LASAC representative Mr. Paulo Ferrer, six churches have undergone assessment thus far, with 60 more scheduled for evaluation. Ferrer requested the assistance of engineering experts from LGUs and personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to support the ongoing effort.
“We seek the guidance and technical expertise of our local disaster and fire protection agencies to ensure that all places of worship are structurally sound and safe for the public,” Ferrer said.
Following deliberations, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) resolved to maintain the province’s status under Blue Alert, which entails enhanced monitoring and readiness for potential escalation in volcanic or seismic activity.
The PDRA meeting underscores Batangas Province’s continued commitment to disaster risk reduction, public safety, and resilient community development.| With report from PIA
