Fire victims get aid from DSWD

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 has extended the much-needed assistance to fire victims of Sitio Isla Alegre, Brgy. Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City.

The houses that were completely destroyed by the fire that hit the sitio last Oct.27 got P10,000 each, while those with homes partially damaged or just renting and living on shared spaces received P5,000 each as per the city’s PIO.

Aside from that, DSWD-7 also gave kitchen kits, including spoon and forks, plates, drinking glasses, and cooking essentials like woks, pots and ladles, for the fire victims to start anew.

Each of the 189 families affected by the massive fire also got five kilos of rice each from DSWD-7.

On the other hand, Mayor Raymond Garcia, in his latest visit back to the evacuation area, promised to expedite the release of the city’s financial assistance to the affected families.

In Garcia’s latest visit, the fire victims also got sleeping kits including pillows, mosquito nets, blankets, malong and sleeping mats.

Aside from that, Garcia said he will return to them soon to update them regarding the land they can use to build their dwellings.

This as the lots they are occupying are said to be privately-owned, and its owner does not want them back.

The latest fire that hit sitio Alegre is the biggest incident recorded in the area in the last nine years.

It happened past midnight, catching many residents off-guard, with majority not able to bring most of their belongings. — (FREEMAN)