Capitol sends relief to Mandaue fire victims

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu provincial government has distributed relief assistance to the victims of the fire that hit Sitio Paradise, Barangay Looc in Mandaue City.

The distribution was held at the old North Bus Terminal in Mandaue City on November 26.

According to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), 700 packs of five kilograms of rice were given as well as canned goods, water, plastic water gallons with faucet, among others were distributed to the affected families.

Fire victims also received hygiene kits like towels, soap, sanitary napkins, toothbrush, toothpaste and shampoo as well as health kits like alcohol, face mask and ascorbic acid.

At least 600 families were evacuated after a fire swallowed their houses last November 22.

Around 2,500 individuals are now in their temporary shelter at the Mandaue City Central School and in Looc Gym.

Landslide Victims

In Cebu City, Councilor Rey Gealon hopes the city government can extend financial assistance to those affected by a landslide late last month in sitio Garahe, in Busay, this city.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) during its investigation found at least two tourist destinations, public schools, and some households are under the danger zone.

With that, evacuation and a permanent relocation was also recommended by the MGB.

Gealon feels it is just right that financial assistance should be given by the city government to the victims of the landslide and the rest of the residents ordered evacuation “for them to be able to start anew”. It was, however, not indicated in the proposed resolution the amount to be given to the affected residents.

In a related development, Gealon, in a separate proposed resolution, urged the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office to “create, disseminate and enforce an action plan” following the report of the MGB and Mayor Michael Rama’s Executive Order No.13.

The CCDRRMO is also expected to submit to the City Council the list of names and addresses of affected residents and place of evacuation. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol, GMR (FREEMAN)