Makati donates relief packs to Parola fire victims

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City government yesterday donated some 5,000 relief packs containing rice, canned goods, medicine and drinking water to thousands of fire victims in Parola compound in Tondo, Manila.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr. and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada led the distribution of the goods to at least 3,000 families who were displaced when successive fires struck the compound earlier this week.

Binay instructed the Makati Social Welfare Department to deliver 15,000 pairs of slippers after observing that many residents were walking around barefooted.

The local government of Makati also conducted medical services for the fire victims temporarily housed at the Delpan covered court.

Estrada said he is coordinating with the National Housing Authority (NHA) and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for the possible distribution of lands to more than 12,000 fire victims.

“We are coordinating with the NHA and GSIS, which own the property where the residents used to live, to give them permanent houses in Parola compound,” he said. – Mike Frialde, Jose Rodel Clapano