ANTIQUE — Thirty-two Muslim families displaced by a fire in Barangay Jalandoni, Culasi have received financial assistance and housing materials from the Provincial Government of Antique to help them rebuild their homes.
The fire, which struck on July 20, 2025, destroyed and damaged several houses in the community.
Under the Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, families whose homes were partially damaged received P5,000 each, while those whose houses were totally destroyed were given P10,000.
Gov. Paolo Javier said the provincial government is also preparing additional support for the affected families following a request from Culasi Mayor Joel Lomugdang.
“Ang gagawin ng probinsya, kung may savings sa kada Mayo, bibigyan po namin kayo ng pabahay. Ipapasok namin ang budget na P3.2 million para sa Barangay Jalandoni,” Javier said.
Aside from cash aid, the beneficiaries received 32 house repair kits, 160 galvanized iron sheets, 160 plywood sheets, and 32 family food packs.
Among the recipients was 41-year-old vendor Samiah Gasamara, whose house was completely destroyed in the fire. She said the assistance would help them start rebuilding, although more resources are still needed.
“Marami pang kulang kasi wala kaming pera. Idadagdag namin ito sa nakuha namin,” she said, expressing gratitude to the provincial government.
“Maraming salamat kay Gob kasi hindi niya kami pinabayaan. Binigyan niya kami ng kulang sa aming pangangailangan,” she added.
Another beneficiary, Jamalia Dimacota, 40, also lost her home in the blaze. She said the assistance would greatly help her family rebuild their house.
“Gapasalamat gid ako kay may nabaton kami halin sa probinsya para sa pagpatindog kang amon balay,” Dimacota said. She earns a living as a vendor, while her husband works as a laborer.
Additional aid distributed
Meanwhile, the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (OPSWDO) also extended assistance to other northern municipalities in Antique.
A total of 808 sacks of rice, each containing 20 kilograms, were turned over to the Culasi local government for distribution. The OPSWDO also provided 77 hygiene kits and 110 shelter repair kits intended for families affected by Typhoon Tino.
In addition, P494,000 in financial assistance was distributed to 76 AICS beneficiaries from the towns of Barbaza and Libertad.
