AT LEAST 40 of the nearly 60 families whose houses were destroyed by a fire that hit Sitio San Miguel, Barangay Lorega San Miguel last Wednesday may rebuild their houses once the Cebu City Government is done re-blocking the area.
Genevieve Alcoseba, Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) operations head, said most of the displaced families were already awarded with lot titles through the City’s housing program.
However, seven of the more than 20 houses razed by the fire were built on a private lot.
“Makabalik ra sila (They can still return) because they are title owners. Di ko sure sa mga namuyo sa (I’m not sure about those living in a) private lot, but hopefully atong paninguhaon nga makabalik sad sila (let’s try to work for their return),” Alcoseba said.
Alcoseba said they are also looking into the possibility of asking lot owners for a .5-meter setback to expand the width of existing pathways.
The fire survivors are currently taking temporary shelter at the barangay gym.
DWUP will also conduct an inspection in the area with the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO) so that they can come up with a recommendation.
As of 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, CCDRRMO Chief Nagiel Bañacia said the Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS) recorded 22 razed houses, 58 affected families, or 250 individuals.
The bereaved family of 52-year-old Amado Maglinte, who died in the fire, will receive around P10,000 in burial cash assistance from the City Government.
The City Government will also give P20,000 cash to owners of destroyed houses, while those whose homes were damaged will be entitled to P10,000.
Those who wish to extend assistance of any kind to the fire survivors may drop them off in the DSWS office at Barangay Labangon. (RTF)