SAN JOSE, Antique – Some 28 victims of a fire incident in Sibalom town received P5,000 as initial financial assistance from the Antique provincial government.
The recipients during Wednesday’s activity were micro-entrepreneurs at the public market that fire hit last Jan. 24, said Noemi Tagle of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
Tagle added that only 28 out of the 44 market vendors affected by the fire have so far complied with the requirements set before getting the financial aid.
“The P5,000 financial assistance – or Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation – came from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and downloaded to the PSWDO,” she added.
PSWDO staff went to Sibalom to assess the victims and their needs after the fire.
“We had informed them (victims) then of the requirements, such as a valid identification card and barangay certification,” said Tagle.
Those whose ID cards were burned were advised to secure a certification from the Commission on Elections stating that they are registered voters in Sibalom.
Tagle said they hope other fire victims could submit the requirements on or before the March 8 deadline.
The DSWD Region 6 allotted P5 million for the Sibalom fire victims and other indigent Antiqueños in need of financial aid.
Indigents from the towns of Laua-an, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and Tibiao have also requested assistance from the DSWD.
The fund is included in the 2019 executive budget of the province that has yet to be approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. (With a report from PNA/PN)
