• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The displaced 71 families, composed of 289 individuals who were affected by the fire incident on Tuesday in Brgy. 14, Bacolod City, are set to receive financial assistance from the city government, said Mayor Greg Gasataya.
Gasataya, who led the distribution of relief goods and deployed essential services to families affected by the recent fire at Purok Ramon Magsaysay in Barangay 14, said families whose houses were destroyed will receive P15,000 each, while those whose houses were partially damaged will receive P10,000 each.
Renters and sharers will also receive P5,000 each, the mayor said.
The response effort, in coordination with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) and the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), aims to provide immediate relief to the displaced residents.
To address their immediate needs, the city government distributed 71 food packs and 71 water containers, along with ready-to-eat meals. Additionally, 50 folding beds were sent to the evacuation center at ETCS III, and 200 liters of drinking water were delivered to sustain the daily needs of the affected individuals.
To ensure a steady supply of clean water, Gasataya also deployed the city’s first water filtration truck to the area. The unit has a capacity of 5,000 liters and can dispense safe, potable water to at least 250 containers, guaranteeing continuous access for the victims.
Among the fire victims, Celda Sorillo, 57, whose house was completely destroyed, said the fire started from a neighboring house and spread rapidly. Sorillo said their home had only been repaired recently, making the loss even more devastating.
“As long as you comply quickly with the required documents, we will do our best to release the aid, hopefully by early next week,” Gasataya told the fire victims.
Based on the initial investigation by the Bacolod Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire was caused by an unattended electric fan. | GB
