BY MAI LADIAO
ROXAS City – Families from Rizal Street in Barangay 7, Roxas City were filled with hope as they witnessed the official turnover of newly constructed housing units at Tanza Ville in Barangay Tanza.
Mayor Ronnie T. Dadivas said the project showcases the strong cooperation among government agencies and organizations that donated essential equipment, greatly aiding in the start of rebuilding each affected family’s life after the tragedy.
In addition, affected residents of Barangay 7 received a total of P65,000 in financial assistance.
Gracing the event was Vice Governor James Magbanua on behalf of Gov. Frederick H. Castro of Capiz; Cong. James “Jojo” Ang of Uswag-Ilonggo Partylist; Board Member Trina Ignacio; Vice Mayor Teresa Almalbis; Paolo Gerardo Roxas, son of former Sen. Mar Roxas; representatives from CAPELCO Inc.; Metro Roxas Water District; CACAG Inc.; Kiwanis Club of Roxas and Capiz, and other local officials.
According to Melvin Galagate, spokesperson for the Roxas City government, the aid package comprised contributions from various sources.
A sum of P25,000 originated from the city government, P10,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, P15,000 from Ang, P10,000 from House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and P5,000 from Sen. Loren Legarda.
Dadivas announced that additional assistance is expected to be received from Senator Imee Marcos on Friday, March 8.
The mayor emphasized the importance of utilizing the aid received by the fire victims judiciously and effectively to address their immediate needs.
To recall, over a hundred houses were consumed by the fire that broke out on Rizal Street in the afternoon of February 27.
The blaze, which reached “third alarm” status, claimed the lives of two senior citizens./PN
