FAMILIES affected by the fire in Purok Magtiayon, Barangay 10, Bacolod City, received financial assistance from the national government at the Bacolod Arts, Youth and Sport (Bays) Center in the city on Thursday, February 23.
Congressman Greg Gasataya, who facilitated the financial assistance through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), said the families whose houses were destroyed received P10,000 in financial assistance, P7,000 for the damaged houses, and P3,000 for the renters and sharers.
He said based on the records of the Department of Social Service and Development (DSSD), a total of 20 houses were destroyed and six houses were damaged, which comprised 35 families.
"We are thankful for the quick release of the budget from the National Government so we can assist the affected families in the area," he added.
Gasataya noted that his office will also provide galvanized iron (GI) sheets to the affected families so they can start the construction of their houses.
He said the materials will be turned over to the barangay, and they will be in charge of the distribution to the affected families.
"They should not lose hope because we are here to help them," he said.
Sally Abelarde, head of the DSSD-Bacolod City, earlier said a total of 35 families were displaced due to the incident on February 16.
Aside from the financial assistance from the office of Gasataya, she said the office of Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go also released P10,000 each to the affected families on Tuesday, February 21.
Abelarde noted that the city government is also planning to increase the financial assistance to the families affected.
Abelarde said families whose houses were destroyed will receive P15,000 each in financial assistance, P10,000 for the damaged houses, and P7,000 for the renters and sharers.*