MANILA - Despite a standing Alert level 4 in Taal Volcano, more business establishments have reopened and classes will soon resume in Tagaytay City, nearly 2 weeks after the volcano's eruption.

Around 127 establishments, including 21 hotels and 78 restaurants, have reopened as of Wednesday morning.

Tagaytay City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Jose Clyde Yayong said they are expecting more hotels, restaurants, stores and other recreational centers to reopen in the next few days and weeks.

On Thursday, January 23, classes will also resume in some schools in Tagaytay City. These include Maitim Elementary School, Maharlika Elementary School, Carlos Batino Sr. Elementary School, Patutong Malaki Elementary School, Tagaytay City National High School, Isidro Cuarda Elementary School, Neogan Elementary School, Mendez Crossing Elementary School, and Tagaytay City Integrated School.

Of the nine schools, only the Tagaytay City Integrated School is currently being used as an evacuation center.

Yayong said half of the school will still be used as an evacuation center; the other half will used by the teachers and students.

Schools hit by ash fall are being cleaned for Thursday’s resumption of classes.

While some schools will open their classes next Monday, January 27.

Yayong said there are about 1,800 families or 6,700 individuals staying in evacuation centers in Tagaytay City.

Meanwhile, electricity and water services have been restored in the city.

Yayong explained there are some areas, though, with scarce water supply due to high demand because of clearing and cleaning operations after the ashfall.

The CDRRMO chief added more or less 400 evacuees have availed of the city’s cash for work program.