More than 1,100 families displaced by two fires in Davao City have received P10,000 each in government assistance, but 521 families remain in evacuation centers as they await help rebuilding their homes.
Marites, a 26-year-old mother of three who gave only her first name, said her family would have to stretch the money to cover their needs.
“Saktohon na lang, igo-igoon,” she said. She recalled saving only her children's clothes when the fire struck. “The rest, wala na,” she added.
1,153 Families Receive Cash Aid
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed P11.53 million in cash assistance on October 23 at Leon Garcia Sr. National High School in Agdao under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program.
The beneficiaries were affected by fires in Barangay Leon Garcia on October 15 and Barangay Bucana on October 16.
DSWD data showed the Leon Garcia fire affected 1,074 families and destroyed 1,062 houses. In Bucana, 79 families were affected and 38 houses were destroyed, with additional homes sustaining partial damage.
As of October 23, 521 families, or 1,591 people, remained in five evacuation centers. Total DSWD assistance to the two barangays had reached P23.51 million in food, non-food supplies, and cash aid.
Housing and Livelihood Assistance Planned
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the P10,000 payout was an initial response. The agency is coordinating with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to help families rebuild.
Gatchalian also pledged continued food assistance and livelihood support through the DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Program for residents who lost home-based income.
Other agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, may provide livelihood assistance and skills training.
At Leon Garcia Sr. National High School, 182 families, or 509 people, were staying in classrooms. Marites said five families shared one classroom and some evacuees had coughs, colds, and children with fever.
Officials have not announced when residents can return home.
Another Fire Hits Matina Aplaya
A third fire broke out early on October 25 in Punta Dumalag, Barangay Matina Aplaya, destroying an estimated 1,200 square meters.
The fire was declared out at 6:34 a.m. No injuries or missing persons were reported.
Investigators are still determining the cause, damage, and number of affected households. An initial estimate of 47 families, or 144 people, remains unconfirmed.
