Mayor Greg Gasataya led the distribution of more than P1.25 million in financial assistance to 117 families affected by recent fire incidents in Bacolod, with the payout held at the Bacolod City College Gym Feb. 3.
The initiative forms part of the city government’s efforts to provide immediate relief while advancing long-term housing solutions for displaced residents.
The beneficiaries came from the six barangays hit by recent fire incidents, including 62 families from Barangay 10, Banago – 19, Barangay 26 with 18 families, Singcang with 11, five families from Bata, and two from Alijis, the city said.
The financial assistance varied, depending on the extent of the fire damage. Each family whose homes were destroyed received P15,000, P10,000 for those with damaged houses, and P5,000 for renters and sharers.
The assistance was coordinated by the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), led by Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga, and was sourced from the city’s reserved emergency funds.
To ensure the swift release of financial aid, administrative processes were streamlined, with documents submitted last Friday, processed by Monday, and funds released yesterday morning.
Among the recipients was Danilo Nabalitan of Barangay Banago, whose house withstood Tropical Depression Verbena and Typhoon Tino, but was engulfed by fire Nov. 5. He expressed gratitude for the immediate assistance, saying it will help his family rebuild their lives.
“I almost lost my mind during that time, but I am thankful that we survived. I am grateful for the help as we look forward to moving on from that tragic incident as a family,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Azucena Pun-an, 62, of Barangay 10, also expressed her appreciation after receiving P15,000 in cash assistance. She was alone in her house when a fire occurred.
“We are deeply grateful for the help extended to us. Without this assistance, it would have been very difficult for us to survive. We have limited means and no one else to rely on,” she said.
Gasataya also discussed recovery plans with the affected residents during the payout. While some families expressed intention to rebuild in their current sites, the city government is encouraging relocation to safer, government-developed areas.
He stressed the urgency of relocating families living in fire-prone and high-risk areas, particularly those near creeks and riverbanks.
“On the part of the city, we gave an urgent instruction to the Bacolod Housing Authority to double their efforts in developing the remaining areas of the relocation site,” the mayor told reporters. “Aside from these fire incidents, there are still families living along creeks and rivers who need to be relocated. These families have already been identified, and together with the BHA, we are doing our best to complete the development of the relocation site as soon as possible.” ||
