Mandaue fire victims get cash aid

CEBU, Philippines — Families displaced by the fire that struck Sitio Admacor in Barangay Maguikay received additional financial assistance during a payout activity held Thursday, May 28, at Maguikay Elementary School.

A total of 116 beneficiaries received aid, including 21 homeowners whose houses were totally destroyed. Each homeowner received P10,000, while 95 renters or sharers received P5,000 each to help them recover and rebuild after the tragedy.

Personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) facilitated the distribution of assistance. Aside from financial assistance, the fire victims also received biscuits, milk, and coffee as additional support while staying in temporary shelters and evacuation areas.

Many of the affected families expressed gratitude to Rep. Emmarie Ouano-Dizon for facilitating the cash assistance. Residents said the aid brought relief amid the hardships they are currently facing and gave them hope as they slowly recover from the devastating incident.

Since most of the victims are renters, several families have already transferred to other areas and are now looking for temporary places to stay.

However, some families whose homes were completely destroyed continue to stay at Maguikay Elementary School, which has served as a temporary evacuation center since the fire broke out.

Barangay Maguikay officials earlier clarified that the fire-hit area is situated on privately owned property, but residents have not been prohibited from returning and rebuilding their homes once clearing operations are completed.

In an interview, Barangay Captain Eduardo Gumera said most of the victims who were renters had already relocated.

“Kasagara man gud ato kay nangabang ra, makabalik ra sila sa yuta pero ang mga wala pay ikagasto og pagpatukod sa ilang balay nangabang na og kwarto-kwarto lang usa,” Gumera said.

The fire, which occurred on May 15, displaced more than 100 families after at least 23 houses were destroyed by the blaze.

Despite the challenges, affected families said they remain thankful for the support they continue to receive from the government, donors, and other groups helping them recover from the tragedy.