Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Tereso Magno visited Monday victims of a recent huge fire in three villages here and distributed relief assistance.
In a short message, Gatchalian said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. instructed him to personally visit the fire victims in the affected villages and coordinate with the local chief executives on how the national government could assist them.
“We will coordinate with the city government to help you start over again. We will make sure that whatever your city government needs, DSWD will always be there as your partner,” he said.
A big fire earlier hit Barangays 21-C, 22-C and 23-C over the weekend affected more than 900 families, based on the initial assessment by the city social welfare office.
Gatchalian also led the turnover of food and hygiene kits to the fire victims along with Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Davao, at least 1,200 houses were destroyed by the Feb. 25 fire.
Several hours after the fire was controlled, the Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte provided heavy snacks and dinner for the fire victims.
The lawmaker’s staff also distributed emergency food packs on Sunday and promised to provide hot meals to the fire victims for five days.
“The boulevard area is my second home. I am saddened for what happened and those who were affected by the fire incident,” said Philippine drag queen contestant Lady Morgana Perez on her Facebook page.
Meanwhile, Junie Alivio, a college student, wrote on Facebook about how the conflagration that took his family’s belongings.
“I wasn’t able to secure our stuff, especially identification cards, books, and everything that is needed in school, as my priority during the incident is my siblings,” he said.
Alivio is asking for anyone’s generosity that could help him, his siblings, and fellow students affected by the fire incident, especially since their examination period is fast approaching. (PNA)
