Survivors of the Oct. 2 fire in Barangay 17 here prepare meals and sort through donated clothes under the Maharlika Bridge on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
The families, displaced after a fire gutted dozens of houses last week, have found temporary refuge beneath the bridge as they await relocation assistance from the city government.
The City Mayor’s Office on Monday, October 6, distributed the first batch of donations collected under the ‘Tabang Kauban’ drive to fire victims in Barangay 17. Chief of Staff Sheila Lumbatan and Secretary to the Mayor Xysclyn Faith Lumbatan led the distribution, assisted by acting City Information Officer Jade Adeser and other City Hall personnel.
The team handed the donations to Barangay 17 chairperson Anthony Atterviry at the evacuation site.
The donation drive gathered rice, pre-loved clothes, blankets, hygiene kits, canned goods, noodles, biscuits, ready-to-eat meals, flashlights, first-aid kits, and pillows for affected residents. ‘We’re deeply thankful to everyone who has extended help,’ Sheila Lumbatan said. She added: ‘This first wave of donations shows the strong spirit of community and solidarity among Kagay-anons.’
The City Mayor’s Office continues to collect donations at the City Hall mini-park from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Donors are encouraged to give school supplies, handheld fans, brand-new underwear, slippers, diapers, and children’s food, which officials said are still lacking at the evacuation site.
According to the City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWD), at least 279 residents were affected by the fire. Mayor Rolando Uy assured that the city government, through CSWD, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department, and the City Mayor’s Office, is doing everything to provide continued assistance.
‘Our priority is to help the families get back on their feet as soon as possible. We will not stop until every affected household receives the support they need,’ Uy said.