The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has started providing assistance to the 36 families who lost their homes in the fire in Barangay Model.
Arlene Panes, social worker III and cluster head of the CBD-A, said their records showed that 36 families and 26 homes and stores were affected by the fire that occurred Saturday, April 27.
Panes said the affected families have already received food and non-food items after the fire incident two days ago in the “talipapa area.”
However, the financial assistance will only be extended to them after the elections because of the ban, she added.
“Actually, may financial assistance naman talaga na i-extend sa kanila kaya lang after election ban, sa ngayon ang nabigay na natin sa kanila ay complete package ng food and non-food items,” she said.
Panes also said of the 26 structures in the area, 21 houses have stores that the fire engulfed.
CSWDO records also showed that there are 14 totally damaged structures, 11 partially damaged, and one totally damaged rental house.
The food items given to the victims is good for four to five days while the non-food items include beddings and cooking utensils.
“Kapag sinabing food, ‘yon ay ‘yong kanilang konsumo, 4-5 (days). Kapag sinabi natin na non-food items, mula sa higaan, lutuan, yong gas na lutuan, mga kaldero, mga basic thing na nasunog sa kanya ay initially ay nai-provide natin sa kanila,” she added.
Panes said her office does not know yet how much will be the financial assistance will be released to the fire victims.
Not all of the victims could receive the same amount as it depends on the category of the occupants if they are sharer, renter or owner, she pointed out.
“Piniprepare namin sila ng financial assistance pero kung sa amount di ko kontrolado, one thing for sure, irirekomenda ko sila, wag aasa yong iba na pare-pareho sila ng amount. Depende yon kung sharer sya, renter sya, kapag owner sya iba yong amount,” Panes said.