City extends aid to fire victims

ILOILO City government is finalizing the list of beneficiaries availing the financial assistance after a fire hit Barangay Nabitasan, La Paz district.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said the cash aid will be given within the month when the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) office completes its report and the corresponding voucher will be prepared by the budget, accounting, and treasurer’s office.

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The financial assistance will cover P5,000 each for destroyed houses and P3,000 for damaged ones. Another amount will be given to the family of the lone casualty.

The fire that hit early morning of January 23, 2010 destroyed 142 residences and affected 185 families. One casualty and 13 injured were reported.

Fire marshals estimated the total damage to P24 million.

The lone casualty was identified as Trinidad Formacion, 48, who was physically handicapped. Her charred remains were recovered by firemen following a mapping-up operation.

Earlier, Treñas endorsed to the City Council the passage of a resolution declaring Barangay Nabitasan under a state of calamity following a fire last January 23.

The approved resolution will allow the city to use part of the calamity fund for this year in rehabilitation of families, including financial and housing material assistance to the fire victims.

The CSWD reported that most of the fire victims are now staying at the Nabitasan Elementary School, mini gym, Barangay Hall and some went to their relatives. Immediate food assistance was given to the fire victims.