The Archdiocese of Lipa is ready to open its doors to people who might be affected by the continued unrest of Taal Volcano.

“Because of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), the situation is different now unlike before that we can just feed them, we can accommodate them. But this time, we have to be careful also,” Lipa Archdiocesan Social Action Commission director Fr. Jayson Siapco said in an interview over church-run Radio Veritas.

He added that that the different local government units in Batangas are looking for areas as evacuation sites if the situation of the volcano worsens.

Siapco assured that once churches have been opened and other facilities as evacuation centers, strict implementation of health protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of all.

“For sure we will open but we need to implement the protocol. If ever the people will evacuate, then we can openly and courageously open our churches and our institutions practicing health protocols,” Siapco said.

On Tuesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has raised Alert Level 2 over the volcano due to increasing volcanic activity.

Under this status, eruption may or may not happen. Evacuation is not recommended but the public has been advised against going to the Taal Volcano Island, a permanent danger zone.

Entry into the vicinities of the main crater and Daang Kastila fissure must also remain strictly prohibited.

As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, Phivolcs recorded 51 volcanic earthquakes, including 41 volcanic tremor episodes having a duration of 1 to 4 minutes. (PNA)