Taguig aids 150 families left homeless by fire

The Taguig City government has extended help to about 150 families whose homes were ravaged by fire in Sitio Masigasig, Barangay Western Bicutan Sunday night.

The affected families were distributed food packs and porridge, clothings, linens, and medicines.

City social welfare office head Nitz Jordan said they “initially gave water, food, milk and milk bottles for the babies to make sure that they are properly nourished. We have also deployed social welfare workers to assist the affected families. Rest assured that the city government is doing the best it can to help the victims.”

Most of the families reportedly refused to leave their areas so the city government provided tents to serve as their temporary shelter.

Concerned about the welfare of the fire victims, Mayor Sigfrido Tiñga ordered their immediate evacuation to the Western Bicutan Covered Court.

“Our priority at the moment is to ensure the health and safety of the victims, especially the children who are prone to sickness when exposed to the cold weather. So, we encourage them to move out of the area,” Tiñga said.

Jordan was accompanied by Tiñga’s wife, Kaye, who is also the city’s nutrition action officer, in distributing relief goods to the victims.

The Taguig City Fire Department reported that the blaze, which started at about 7:30 p.m., was believed to have been caused by electricity overload.

The blaze left one dead, six others injured, and at least 300 families homeless by the time it was put out at 9 p.m.

Tiñga likewise said the city government will help the family of William Bukid, who died of a heart attack at the height of the fire, by providing him free burial services and interment at the Serenity Park, the city’s new public cemetery. – Rhodina Villanueva