BATANGAS CITY—Employees of Lopez-led First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) have been making rounds in their host communities to distribute relief goods and provide entertainment for Taal Volcano eruption evacuees in temporary shelters.
Water containers, food and toiletries are being distributed in coordination with the local government units of Tanauan and Santo Tomas, where FPIP operates a 550-hectare industrial park employing over 65,000 workers.
Most striking, though, is the presence of clowns and magicians happily greeted by evacuees, especially by the children.
“When you are caught in a volcanic eruption and are forced to leave your home with practically nothing, this can create a lot of anxiety in people, especially the kids. We sent in the clowns as a way to help relieve the tension. With the positive power of humor, we hope to help them deal with the range of emotions caused by Taal’s sudden activity,” said FPIP Community Relations Officer Marco Amurao.
“More than just a source of entertainment, activities, such as magic shows, storytelling and games, might help boost their immune systems through uplifted spirits,” Amurao added.
Toys were also distributed to the children to help further allay their anxieties.
“As adults, we, sometimes, find it difficult to articulate our emotions. This is more so for younger children. We believe that play is a medium that comes naturally to them and a non-direct approach that will aid them to explore their spectrum of feelings,” said Amurao who noted that play therapy has long been an effective instrument for children who have experienced trauma, natural calamities or trouble coping with their immediate environment.
FPIP is a subsidiary of First Philippine Holdings Corp., the holding company of the Lopez group.
