BACOLOD City — The city government is processing P2,885,000 in financial assistance for 290 families affected by the fire that struck Barangay 27 on September 12.
Of the affected households, 143 were totally damaged. Each will receive P15,000, while the single partially damaged household will get P10,000. Families who were sharers or renters are set to receive P5,000 each.
Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed hope that the financial aid will be released within the week, following evaluation and verification of the necessary documents.
“The assistance is intended for families in dire need who have no stable source of income,” Gasataya said. “It will help them purchase materials to rebuild their homes and provide shelter for their families.”
Initially, fire victims were temporarily housed at Apolinario Mabini Elementary School. As of press time, 124 families, totaling over 400 individuals, still remained in the evacuation center. Others have stayed with relatives or rented temporary housing.
The mayor also noted that the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) will provide additional financial aid, but this is limited to the 144 families whose houses were either totally or partially damaged. Under the DHSUD program, families with totally damaged houses will receive P30,000, while the partially damaged household will get P10,000. Sharers and renters are not covered under this national assistance program.
The city government continues to coordinate with national agencies to ensure that aid reaches all families in need as quickly as possible./PN
