Seventeen families, who lost their homes when a fire broke out in Purok Riverside Zone 2, Barangay Bata in Bacolod on Friday, each received P5,000 in cash assistance from former congressman Alfredo “Albee” Benitez when he visited them at the evacuation center that afternoon.
Two sharers also received P2,500 each. Former Board Member Patrick Lacson, who is a member of Team Albee, said the giving of assistance to victims of calamities has been part of the advocacy of Benitez while he conducts a daily visit to different barangays of Bacolod City.
Benitez has transferred his voter’s registration record to Bacolod from Victorias City in Negros Occidental, and has been urged to run for mayor in next year’s elections.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia also visited the fire victims on the same day, had a short talk with them, and told them of the regular assistance provided by the City government to fire victims.
Department of Social Services and Development head, Pacita Tero, said the City has provided food packs, tents, sleeping and hygiene kits to the 18 families affected by the fire.
She added that each family will receive financial assistance from the City that is now being processed by the DSSD.
Sixteen houses were destroyed in the fire the allegedly started from the house of Ivy Zulueta. The houses were located inside a compound and were made of light materials. — MML
