A fire hit the Home for the Blind in Purok Paglaum, Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, on Saturday, January 13, leaving 20 families with 83 members homeless.
Destroyed were two buildings and a house owned by the Department of Social Services and Development of Bacolod City, FO2 Anthony Val Isansa said on Sunday.
Two other houses were also damaged, he said.
Estimated damage was P4,320,000, a Bacolod Fire Station report said.
They are still determining the cause of the fire, Isansa said.
The 20 families with 83 members affected are currently staying at the Barangay Mansilingan Gymnasium, Social Welfare Officer Alma Gustilo said.
The city government has provided food packs, folding beds, hot meals and non-food relief for the fire victims.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Rep. Greg Gasataya and Mansilingan Barangay Captain Franz Tionko visited the fire victims at the Mansilingan Gymnasium on Saturday night.
The mayor said the victims will also be provided with financial assistance.
A lot of concerned Bacolodnons have also provided assistance and with the help of the Mansilingan barangay captain they will be on their feet very soon, he added.*