ILOILO City – The fire that razed over 60 houses in Barangay Old Airport, Mandurriao district on March 11 left P1.4-million property damage, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
This was so far the biggest fire here this year and it ironically happened while the city was marking March as Fire Prevention Month, lamented Chief Inspector Publio Ploteña, city fire marshal.
The March 12 validated partial report from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) counted 45 totally damaged houses and 18 partially damaged ones.
The report also listed 93 displaced families (327 individuals).
Most of the damaged houses were made of light materials.
Ploteña said the fire originated from the second floor of Lida Yudelmo’s house and that it was probably electrical in nature, citing their initial investigation.
However, to confirm this Ploteña said they have preserved debris which will be sent to their national headquarters for laboratory analysis.
The displaced families are currently taking shelter at Mandurriao Elementary School.
Mayor Jerry Treñas visited the fire victims with son Miguel on Saturday and told them the city government would be extending financial assistance to the fire victims amounting P10,000 for families with totally damaged houses and P7,000 for those with partially damaged ones.
On Saturday, the city mayor handed over to the fire victims the initial aid from the city government. It included kitchen utensils such as forks, spoons, washbowls, plates, glasses, pails, cooking pots, and pan, and among others.
From their personal pockets, Treñas and his son also distributed food aid such as bread, eggs and potable water.
On Friday night, the CSWDO already extended the first batch of initial assistance to the fire victims such as 40 sleeping bags, 40 packs community kitchen, 40 mosquito nets, and 80 blankets.
On weekend, they continuously distributed food packs to the fire affected residents.
Aside from the city government, there were also private donors sending goods and hot meals.
“I checked how everyone was doing and made sure that the assistance was available. While I was there our fellow Ilonggos came and brought old clothes, food, water, containers, and other relief goods. I commend the strong bayanihan spirit engrained in the Ilonggo culture. We always make sure that we take care of our own. Salamat gid sa tanan. As a treat, I sent everyone Chickenjoy for lunch,” said Treñas./PN
