ASIDE from free food and clothing given to the victims of the All Souls’ Day fire in Bacolod City, financial assistance was also provided to the families of those who died in the incident.

The blaze killed 16 residents including an 11-month-old baby. It was said to be one of the most tragic in the city's history.

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Deputy Presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo on Tuesday said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is giving out P10,000 to the families of the 16 fatalities.

The government of Bacolod City is likewise providing P5,000 to the families whose houses were destroyed by fire, according to Fajardo.

Fajardo said Press Undersecretary Anthony Golez flew to Bacolod City Tuesday morning to meet with the local disaster council led by the mayor and barangay officials.

Golez has been vocal to his plans of seeking for a government post in Bacolod.

In his earlier interview, he described the recent fire as the worst that broke out in the city.

He also said immediate assistance was given to the victims through the local government unit. The city disaster coordinating council has convened to find ways and means of providing relief and assistance to the victims.

Fajardo further said the National Government is willing to extend assistance to Bacolod should the city ask their help.

“If ever their mayor asks for help from the President or the national government it should go through to the regional development council and then to the President. But now it seems that their local government is managing it will well,” she said.

Bacolod Representative Monico Puentevella meanwhile thanked all those who sent help. “Thanks to all the donors, we'll survive this.”

He added: “Since it (fire) happened, we have given them free food and clothing, thanks to all the donors.”

DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral is also sending an official to Bacolod City on Tuesday to assist the victims, said Puentevella. (Jill Beltran and Justine Paredes)