Responding to the immediate needs of the victims who lost their homes from a fire that broke out yesterday in Purok Rosal I, Mapantad, Barangay Sainz in the City of Mati, a team from the provincial government delivered goods to the affected families.
On September 18, 2022, the provincial government team distributed one-half sack of rice, food packs containing 8 pieces of canned goods, and one dozen coffee to each of the 21 affected families. Also distributed were 120 bottles of water donated by Bueno, a local grocery store.
Provincial Administrator Maria Gracia “Ging-ging” Tiago, who led the team and represented Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, extended the Governor’s heartfelt sympathies to the victims.
She expressed her hopes that the provided assistance will lighten their load and make them feel that the people and the government genuinely care for them. “Kahit papano, sana naibasan ang ating kalungkutan, ang ating kawalan,” she said.
She assured the families this was only the initial intervention as the provincial government and the city government of Mati are working together for the next phase of interventions to help them rebuild their lives. She only asks them to be patient and remain hopeful amidst the challenge.
“In any situation, there is always a God that looks after us. Adunay Ginoo nga nagtan-aw sa atong sitwasyon. So, we will never lose hope. Aduna kanunay paglaum,” said Ms. Tiago.
Ms. Arlene Redulla, one of the fire victims, expressed her gratitude to the provincial and the city government for their immediate response. “Bisan likod sa pagsulay, adunay mga tao nga nibati pod sa kung unsa ang atong gibati,” she said.
The fire incident on Saturday set ablaze nine homes— seven of which were completely destroyed while two were partially damaged. A total of 21 families or 56 individuals are affected, mostly children.
These families are currently housed at the barangay hall in Barangay Sainz, which serves as the evacuation center. While they have been flooded with assistance such as used clothes and kitchenware since yesterday, the families appeal to those who can provide milk and food, especially for their infants.
According to one of the victims, the fire started from a laptop charger that exploded. The fire from the explosion rapidly spread to the nearby houses made of light materials. Based on the spot investigation report from the Bureau of Fire Protection, the estimated property damage was pegged at P600,000, and no casualty was reported.
Also present during this afternoon’s distribution were Punong Barangay Edgar Valera, Provincial Treasurer Engr. Maria Victoria Rodriguez, and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Department Assistant Head Francis Jason Bendulo. By KLDeloso | Photos by Van Jorain Rufin