100 houses hit by Christmas fire
Firefighters battle the fire that hit Sitio Kaduldulan, Barangay Lawaan III, Talisay City on Christmas Eve. The blaze left several families homeless. Aldo Nelbert Banaynal
CEBU, Philippines — At least 96 families – 388 individuals – in Sitio Caduldulan, Lawaan 3, Talisay City in Cebu lost their homes to a fire hours before Christmas Day.
Senior Fire Officer 2 Sherwin Algoso said they have yet to determine the real cause of the incident that razed an estimated 100 houses.
Only one was recorded to sustain injuries – Ronel Tribajo, 37 – who was hurt in his right foot.
Initial investigation found that the fire started at the house of one Ruby dela Concepcion, but since no one was at the house when the fire broke, authorities suspect it may have been due to an appliance that was unplugged.
Damage was pegged at P400,000.
Algoso said they received the alarm at 6:40 p.m. and placed it under control after over an hour.
Felipa Solana, head of Talisay City’s social welfare and development office, said the survivors are housed temporarily at the gym in Barangay Lawaan.
She said basic food and clothing have been provided and meals were provided since Sunday. The city is also preparing cash assistance of P10,000.
First District Rep. Gerald Anthony Gullas said many residents have responded to his call for donation online. Yesterday morning, rice and canned goods were provided to the survivors.
Also on Christmas Eve, another fire hit Lourdes Village in Barangay Punta Princesa in Cebu City. Unlike in Talisay City, however, the fire in Cebu destroyed only two houses and damaged three others.
The city’s department of social welfare services said cash aid of P20,000 will be provided to the survivors.
Archbishop Jose Palma encouraged the survivors not to lose hope and to still believe in God.
“When there is hope, they can stand again and face all the trials they encounter,” Palma said. (FREEMAN)
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