THE BATANGAS State University led a science-based initiative to help families living near Taal volcano be productive again.

The school launched its Bangon Batangas project that will be funded by the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development.

The project aims to implement positive intervention and rehabilitation plans for the 151,386 families in the provinces of Batangas, Quezon, Laguna, and Cavite, affected by the volcano’s eruption.

The project will assess the damage to the livelihood of the victims and the appropriate interventions needed in the municipalities of Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, and Balete.

It will also provide relief operations for the affected families.

When it erupted in January 2020, the volcano affected 1,813 families.

A total of 6,666 people had to be evacuated to temporary shelters.