Fire victims plea for urgent help

CEBU, Philippines -  Kamputhaw fire victims and barangay officials appealed to the Cebu City government to fast track the release of cash assistance and housing materials for them to rebuild their houses after Sunday’s fire.

Wilma Halasan, 55, said they need the assistance as soon as possible because they have nothing left after the fire.

“Until now, wala paman gud ang financial assistance namo ug mga housing materials. Mao gyod na ang among gikinahanglan karon,” she said.

She, however, understands that it is not easy to release the assistance from the city government to the barangay.

Melinda Sentillas, 53, also requested for the restoration of power supply.

“Gusto pod mi mabalik among suga, kay dili madala inig gabie oy. Ngitngit kaayo unya ang mga bildo sa balay, nagkatag pa raba,” she added.

Venny Olmilla, 56, said her family needs the cash assistance and housing materials badly.

“Gusto mi naa na dayon mi mga sin, kahoy bisan og ginagmay lang ug uban intawn namo nga  gamit lang para makatukod nami sa among mga balay kay wala na gyod mi mga kwarta,” she said.

Barangay councilman Butch Librando, who heads the local disaster risk reduction and management office, also appealed to the city government to fast track the assistance for the Lorega fire victims so their assistance would follow soon.

“Maayo unta ma-fast track nila ang pag-process sa ilang cash advance sa cash assistance sa Lorega para maka hinay-hinay napod sila sa amoa,” Librando said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Services still has to ask for liquidation of cash advances for the Lorega fire victims first before it could release the assistance to Kamputhaw.

Mayor Michael Rama and City Administrator Lucelle Mercado visited the area to assess the situation.

“Nangutana ko ni Mayor sa budget pero miingon ra siya nga ayaw ka problema sa budget kay maabot rana,” Librando said.

Rama is reportedly prioritizing the prevention of fire such as the widening of access road and not just to focus solely on assistance.  (FREEMAN)