On that Sunday afternoon, Taal’s volcanic activity rapidly intensified, sending an ash plume nine miles high. Within hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert level to 4, indicating that a hazardous explosive eruption could occur at any time. Nearby towns, including Agoncillo, Talisay, and Laurel, experienced thick layers of ashfall, prompting thousands to evacuate. The impact extended beyond Batangas; provinces across southern Luzon and even parts of Metro Manila were shrouded in a gray haze as ash traveled with the wind, blanketing cars, homes, and roads.
However, not all areas of Batangas were equally affected. Here in Rosario, which happens to be on the other side of the province, the effects were milder due to the wind direction that day. This relatively protected Rosario from the ashfall that devastated other towns and even parts of southern Metro Manila. Although spared from the worst of the physical impact, Rosario’s residents watched as neighboring communities suffered, and they stepped in to support those in greater need.
The First to Wear Masks and Experience Lockdowns
In the aftermath, Batangueños quickly adapted to using masks, not yet as protection from a virus but to guard against the ash and sulfur particles that lingered in the air. The masks became an everyday part of life. Weeks of volcanic activity led authorities to enforce “lockdown zones” around Taal to restrict access and ensure safety. The need to stay indoors, protect the lungs, and endure repeated safety drills soon became routine.
The eruption and its aftermath gave Batangueños an early taste of the restrictions and precautions that would later become globally ubiquitous. In March, as the COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread lockdowns, Batangas found itself in a surreal double challenge. The people of Batangas were already living with facemasks and area restrictions, making them some of the first to face the dual burden of natural disaster and a global health crisis. This double whammy was both a unique hardship and a testament to the resilience that would define Batangas throughout 2020.
Five Years On: A Living Lesson in Unity and Preparedness
Looking back, Batangas sees in the Taal eruption a reminder of the strength that lies in unity. From mask-wearing and lockdowns to recovery efforts and community support, Batangueños faced extraordinary challenges in 2020. Rosario, with its unique vantage point, became both a witness to and a part of a profound period of resilience and solidarity.
Now, in 2025, Taal continues to be monitored closely, and Batangas remains vigilant. The memory of Taal’s 2020 eruption has left an indelible mark on Batangas—both a painful reminder and a testament to the unity, preparedness, and bayanihan spirit that continue to guide its people forward.
Batangueños keeping their sense of humor while coping with the Taal eruption