Zumba enthusiasts from all around Los Baños gather weekly for a fun dance-workout session. On January 25, however, their round of dancing to an upbeat version of Sarah Geronimo’s Tala also served as an opportunity to gather donations for Taal victims.

With the theme ‘#BangonBatangas: Sayaw mo, tulong mo!’, Brgy. Anos held its first ‘Zumba for a Cause’ activity at the Makiling Subdivision Covered Court in as part of the barangay government’s relief efforts for those affected by the recent Taal Volcano eruption.

Instead of paying for the usual registration fee, participants of the event were encouraged to bring donations such as canned goods and toiletries which are to be distributed among the 81 evacuees currently residing in Brgy. Anos.

Activity head and Anos PWD Secretary Andrella Banatlao said that through the activity, Brgy. Anos is able to promote health and camaraderie while encouraging the attendees to participate in relief operations for Taal evacuees.

“Basta willing tumulong, hindi man pinansyal, ay napakalaking bagay na ang ating maiaambag sa mga naapektuhan ng Taal eruption... Kahit sa simpleng proyekto, gagawa at gagawa tayo ng paraan para makatulong,” she said.

INITIATIVE. Activity head and Anos PWD Secretary Andrella Banatlao mans the registration booth for #BangonBatangas: Sayaw mo, Tulong mo!

Banatlao added that the barangay will also be conducting a blood drive for the volcano eruption victims win the coming weeks. She also that she is thankful for the support their activities have been receiving from local officials as well as the Zumba instructors who rendered their services for free.

“First time po namin maka-partner ang Brgy. Anos pero matagal na rin po kaming nagvovolunteer para sa mga Zumba for a Cause dito sa Los Baños,” said Jo Vic De Villa, a volunteer Retro Fitness instructor for the event.

“Para po sa mga hydrocephalus babies o para sa mga may sakit na walang pambili ng gamot, kahit po wala kaming komisyon, basta may maibibigay po na donasyon ang mga sumasali, makiki-organisa kami,” De Villa added.

Anos Brgy. Captain Celerino Balasato Jr., also present in the event, encourages Taal evacuees who have decided to reside in Anos for the time-being to register in the Barangay Hall.

Registered evacuees will be receiving relief goods from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office as well as a care package from the barangay.

Balasoto also stated that the Anos Barangay Hall is still accepting donations. “Basta po galing sa puso, tatanggapin po namin iyan,” he said.

For those who may want to send donations or participate in the barangay’s future relief efforts, you may reach the Anos Barangay Hall through (049) 536-5955 or message them at facebook.com/barangayanoslb.