Private sector groups have begun delivering crucial aid to the nearly 1,000 residents of Barangay 27, Bacolod City, who lost their homes and almost everything they owned in a devastating fire on Friday, September 12.
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said while the city government is providing assistance to the fire victims who are staying at the Apolinario Mabini Elementary School, others who wish to help may also coordinate with the Department of Social Services and Development.
The Negrense Volunteers for Change (NV) Foundation immediately provided emergency relief to the fire victims at the school using its usual “supermarket method”, its president Millie Kilayko said.
The NVC team allowed the fire victims to pick their needs from a table where diapers, coffee, assorted canned goods, soap, toothpaste, and Mingo Meals were lined up, she said.
“We always use this method because it allows us to provide quick response without having to spend time packing food bags, and it also upholds the dignity of the recipient who is given an opportunity to choose rather than be handed a bag,” she said.
NVC is continuing to collect donations for the fire victims, she said.
The foundation is also collecting stuffed toys because it has been observed that these can comfort children who have undergone traumatic situations, she added.
RED CROSS
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Negros Occidental-Bacolod City Chapter has deployed its Ambulance Team, Water Tanker Unit, First Aid Station, and Welfare Desk at the Apolinario Mabini Elementary School to assist the affected families.
PRC volunteers and staff are working with local authorities to provide medical aid, relief assistance, and welfare support
To address the needs of children, the PRC also established a Child-Friendly Space where they could feel safe and supported, it said.
At the same time, PRC volunteers extended Psychological First Aid (PFA) to both children and families coping with the trauma.
KABANKALAN
The Kabankalan City government also delivered assistance to the fire victims, Mayor Benjie Miranda said.
The aid was collected and delivered to the Apolinario Mabini Elementary School, he said.
Miranda thanked the individuals, organizations, and groups who sent help and showed a spirit of cooperation.
CHMSUyanihan
The Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) also launched its CHMSUyanihan, a donation campaign to aid the fire victims.
Members of the CHMSU community, along with stakeholders and partners, are encouraged to contribute by dropping off donations in-kind and cash at any of the CHMSUyanihan booths located in the university’s Alijis, Binalbagan, Fortune Towne, and Talisay campuses, a press release from the university said.
Items most needed are toiletries and hygiene products, household essentials, non-perishable food, and clean drinking water, it said.
Cash donations may be sent via the FCUSG GCash account at 0938-658-0015 or deposited directly to Caritas Bacolod’s Queenbank account number 002–2-00155-5, it added.
“Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a meaningful difference,” it said.
TEEN MASSKARA
The Mr. and Ms. Teen MassKara has also launched a donation drive from September 12-20 to help the fire victims.
The group is accepting canned goods, clothes, and other necessities at the Bagani Community Center by LoveYourself at 3/F NEDF Building at 6th Street, Brgy. 7, Bacolod City.*