Zubiri proposes Marshall Plan for Taal-hit areas

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri has proposed a "Marshall Plan-like" recovery program for the areas in Batangas affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.

Zubiri cited the extensive damage to farms, fishpens, homes, and infrastructure in Batangas following the eruption and subsequent quakes.

He emphasized the need for families to recover and rebuild their lives with minimal personal cost, especially after being displaced from no-build zones.

The proposal involves directing local government units to review land use plans and allocating resources for hazard mapping within 180 days.

Zubiri also suggested the distribution of government-owned lands in Batangas for agricultural, industrial, and residential use to displaced constituents at subsidized costs.

Concerned agencies like DENR, LRA, and DOJ would be responsible for issuing land titles and instruments to beneficiaries at no cost for survey and titling.

The Department of Social Welfare, National Anti-Poverty Commission, and Department of Agriculture would identify beneficiaries for the land distribution program.

Furthermore, Zubiri proposed tax exemptions, fee privileges, and fiscal incentives for displaced families, to be crafted by the Department of Finance and Bureau of Internal Revenue.

He also recommended the creation of new townships with the Department of Health and Department of Education to ensure essential infrastructure for resettled families.