Fire victims to receive cash aid from barangay, city, SK

CEBU, Philippines - Officials of barangay Umapad in Mandaue City yesterday said financial assistance will be extended to homeless residents in sitios Coconut and Bacchus whose houses were destroyed by fire last September 3.

Earlier, the barangay approved a council resolution that declared the areas under a state of calamity and released P239,000 for the purchase of housing materials.

But barangay Umapad captain Nelson Rubio said that since the bidding for the purchase of housing materials failed, it was decided to just divide the P239,000 among the victims.

Rubio said there were bidders for the purchase of housing materials but none won because the prices offered were higher than those offered by stores.

Aside from financial assistance, the SK council of the barangay gave P150,000 for housing materials.

The SK also agreed that the amount be divided among the victims and allow them to buy housing materials themselves.

The city will give P10,000 to 89 house owners while 111 renters will get P5,000.  (FREEMAN)