The Talisay City government is releasing financial assistance to the 57 families with 213 members whose houses were hit by a fire in Purok Pasil, Barangay Zone 5, on Tuesday.
The 53 families whose houses were destroyed on Tuesday will receive P10,000 each in assistance, and the four whose houses were damaged will be given P7,000 each, Dionela Madrona, Talisay City Social Welfare and Development officer, said on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
Donations have been coming in but more food, shelter assistance and kitchen utensils are still needed, she said.
Madrona said Victorias Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, Angels Wings Foundation president Rowena Lopez Lizares and Dolly Lopez of Carmela Valley Corp. have donated corrugated sheets for roofing, plywood and nails for those who lost their homes.
“I am humbly asking your help everyone. Together, let us help them rebuild their lives,” Rowena Lizares said in a Facebook post, adding that donations may be sent directly to the Talisay City gymnasium.
Silay Vice Mayor Jose Nicolas Jalandoni III is also donating bamboo posts for the rebuilding of houses, Madrona said.
Jalandoni, who visited the evacuation center with other city officials, said the city government has been providing assistance to the affected residents.
“We have provided hot meals, water supply and transportation from the site going to the gymnasium,” he said in a statement
Personnel of the City Health Office have also been providing healthcare services to the displaced families at the evacuation center.
Madrona said the houses that were hit by the fire were built near the shoreline, which is considered a danger zone.
The city officials will hold a meeting on Thursday to determine where it would be safe for the fire victims to rebuild their homes, Madrona said.*with a report from PNA