When Taal Volcano had its recent eruption, it displaced thousands of families from their homes in Batangas especially those living on Volcanic Island and within the volcanic range. These helpless kababayans became instant evacuees and fleeing some of their livestock just to be away from the harm of such natural disaster.
Humanity responded by sending out various help to these evacuees and the aids and help came from the entire country and its nearby nations in the SEA region.
Among the plethora of generous souls were from the heart of Shawarma Shack founder Walther Buenavista’s wife, Patricia Buenavista, who spent her early childhood in Tanauan City. It was disclosed that she has relatives residing in the area when the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised alert level 4 for Taal Volcano on January 12, 2020.
Multiple houses and livelihoods were destroyed since the volcano started erupting, forcing residents within the 14-kilometer radius from the main crater to immediately evacuate. This is when the bayanihan evidently blossomed among Filipinos—everyone, even in their own little way, lent a helping hand.
Shawarma Shack visited and gave aid to 170 families relocated to La Consolation College, 70 families at Daughters of Mary Immaculate School, 89 families at Tanauan Local Government Unit Evacuation Center, 120 families at Tapia Elementary School in Barangay Trapiche, 98 families at Jesus is Lord Christian School, 45 families at Tanauan City College, 250 families at Pamahalaang Sentral ng Hilagang Tanauan, 98 families at Ulango Elementary School, and 92 families at Pantay Bata Elementary School.
Tanauan City Vice Mayor Atty. Herminigildo “Jun-jun” G. Trinidad assisted the Buenavista family along with other Shawarma Shack volunteers during this relief operation.
