THE Mandaue City Government will distribute financial assistance to families affected by the massive fire that tore through Zone Talong, Barangay Paknaan, on Sunday night, March 23, 2025.
In an interview on Tuesday, March 25, Mayor Glen Bercede said the City has prepared the funds and the distribution will take place on Thursday, March 27.
Homeowners will receive P10,000, while 66 sharers and renters will get P5,000 each.
The mayor assured the victims that the city will do everything possible to support them but admitted that their return to their homes remains uncertain.
“We have no idea yet when they can return, but rest assured that we will find a way. For now, we are prioritizing the situation of the fire victims,” Bercede said in Cebuano.
Bercede said his administration is continuing the emergency assistance program established by former mayor Jonas Cortes, which ensures that fire victims receive financial aid within two to three days after a disaster.
While the City’s financial aid is expected to provide much-needed relief, Bercede said for many families, rebuilding will not be easy.
The fire, which broke out in a two-story single-family dwelling, quickly spread across 6,000 square meters of residential and commercial areas. It destroyed 200 homes and establishments and displaced 244 families or 805 individuals.
Firefighters responded swiftly but narrow roads and panicked residents cutting water hoses disrupted operations, making it harder to contain the flames.
It took hours before the fire was completely extinguished at 10:37 p.m. The damage has been estimated at roughly P3 million.
Most of the displaced families are currently staying at the 6.5 Paknaan Gym, where they rely on food, clothing, and other essential supplies from the City Social Welfare and Services office./ CAV