In the afternoon of January 12, the Taal Volcano started spewing ash. At 4 in the afternoon, the ash column reached one-kilometer high and the ash fall reached the area of CALABARZON and Metro Manila. (Source: Rappler) Taal Volcano's activities lasted for weeks and because of that, authorities advised the public to wear face masks.

In the same month, our country was exposed to a recently discovered disease from a province in China, which is now called CoViD or Corona Virus Disease. The virus was said to be transmitted from one person to another through coughing, sneezing, and touching or shaking hands. The advise was to avoid crowded places and to wear masks.

These events caused hysteria to the people and caused then to hoard surgical and N95 masks. It became in demand on drugstores and markets, and its price went up thrice the original in some stores.

In some cities like Manila, San Juan, Quezon City, Marikina, & Pasig, free masks were distributed in schools & city halls.

It is a concern that capitalism is taking over in this time of disaster. This is a call for all local government and schools to provide free masks for the people. We ask the government to show concern to their people and give importance to everyone's health. 

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/1801862106/posts/10212226048605362/?d=n