58 families lose home in Lorega fire

CEBU, Philippines — At least 250 individuals or 58 families were left homeless after an afternoon fire razed their houses at Sitio San Miguel, Barangay Lorega-San Miguel last Wednesday.

City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) Head Nagiel Bañacia said the city’s Department of Social Welfare and Services has yet to validate the final report on the affected families, as the figures was recorded as of 4 p.m. yesterday.

The families of Amado Maglinte, who died in the blaze, will receive P10,000 burial assistance while all structure owners affected by fire will get P20,000 each.

The fire-stricken area involves a lot of the city government and a private property.

Majority of the families will be allowed to rebuild their houses, said City’s Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) Operations Chief Genevieve Alcoseba.

“There are six to seven houses nga covered sa private property while the other houses are owned by the residents under the city’s housing program. Titled and fully-paid na ang mga resident, maong makabalik ra gyud sila,” she told reporters.

Alcoseba, however, said the DWUP and CCDRRMO will inspect the area to make a recommendation whether or not an access road should be established in the area wherein ambulances and firetrucks can pass through in case of emergencies.

She said an access road is needed for emergency purposes, adding that reblocking may be implemented.

Alcoseba said lot owners might be asked to do a little “setback” of their property for the establishment of the road, adding that these families might be asked for a .5-meter setback.

As for the families living on a private property, she said she has yet to ask the owner of the property if it will allow the families to rebuild their houses.

As a standard operating procedure, the city’s DSWS will give free three-day packed meals for the affected families who are currently housed at the Lorega Sports Complex.

The city government will also be giving housing materials worth 2,000 and home kits worth P500 for each family. — GAN (FREEMAN)