The sudden phreatic eruption of Taal Volcano last January 12, 2020 not only affected not only the livelihood and living conditions of thousands of people living within the vicinity of the volcano and its danger zone, but also created negative impact on the tourism and economic boom in the province of Batangas. A few weeks later, it is business as usual in the province and surrounding areas now that PHIVOLCS recently lowered the volcano's alert level status to Alert Level 2 before Valentines Day and many tourists would ask themselves if there is something more to offer in the province than just Taal Lake and Volcano Island.
Well, the answer is a highly resounding 'yes' which is where the "Rich Batangas" tourism campaign comes in. During the Provincial Economic Recovery Round Table held last February 7th at LIMA Park Hotel in Malvar, Batangas and organized by the Batangas Development Summit Initiative of First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH), provincial governor Hermilando I. Mandanas encouraged everyone to enjoy the cultural heritage of Batangas and the "Fun, Food, Faith" tourism it offers since the other parts of Batangas facing Balayan Bay and Batangas Bay are generally safe. Though the Taal Volcano eruption caused a big blow to the province's tourism industry, it poses an essential opportunity for Batangas to focus more on its other potential destinations.
The province has its own bevy of beaches and resorts that can be at par with the likes of Boracay and Palawan such as the Matabungkay Beach which are slated to open throughout the summer season. Aside from the beaches, Batangas has the Verde Island Passage off its shores which is highly regarded among divers as the center of marine biodiversity in the world. Anyone who wants to have more fun while staying in the province should expect different kinds of adventure or thrill tourism in the foreseeable future. On the other hand, they can also enjoy a bevy of local and international delicacies offered at different food options across the province as well as trying out what Batangas is known for - lomi, gotong Batangan and Barako coffee.
As the Catholic season of Lent is fast approaching, religious tourists can fulfill their Visita Iglesia at various churches across the province such as the National Shrine Of Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas, San Sebastian Cathedral and Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel Church in Lipa City among others. Meanwhile, the traditional Lenten passion play or senakulo is set to take place at the Montemaria pilgrimage center in Batangas City. These and others on hand show that there is more to indulge and enjoy one's itinerary in Batangas than just Taal Volcano. Though there is a bit of hesitation even after the storm, nothing can hinder our rich discovery of fun, food and faith in the wonderful Barako province.
In case you missed what happened a month ago, Taal Volcano spewed a 15-kilometer ash column that blanketed surrounding places in ash and rock fragments, forcing more than 300,000 people to flee their homes. For two weeks afterwards, evacuees from parts of Batangas and Cavite waited as PHIVOLCS raised Alert Level 4 over the volcano indicating the threat of a hazardous, explosive eruption. Several towns were placed under lockdown until the volcano's activity deescalated. Although majority of evacuees have been allowed to return home, some remain in evacuation centers. Meanwhile, the national government officially declared Volcano Island a 'no man's land' and completely off limits. The ordeal caused Php3.4 billion in damage to infrastructure and agriculture in Batangas, Cavite and Laguna.
