BACOLOD City — The Bacolod City government has released financial assistance to 183 families displaced by a fire that struck Purok Katilingban in Barangay 39 on February 27, assuring residents of continued support as they recover from the incident.
Records from the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) showed that the blaze affected 103 houses. Of these, 97 were totally destroyed while six were partially damaged.
The fire also affected 35 renters and 45 sharers living in the area.
During a payout held on March 4 at the lobby of the Bacolod City Government Center, the city government distributed cash assistance to qualified beneficiaries.
Families whose houses were totally destroyed received P15,000 each, while those with partially damaged homes were given P10,000. Renters and sharers, meanwhile, received P5,000 each, according to the DSSD, which facilitated the payout.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)–Bacolod City Fire Station reported that no casualties or injuries were recorded during the incident. However, the fire, which involved residential structures, caused an estimated P1.74 million in property damage.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city government immediately mobilized relief operations to assist displaced residents.
Among the items distributed were folding beds, food packs, hot meals, drinking water, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, water containers, modular tents, and rain shelters.
Additional assistance, including food supplies and kitchenware, is also being prepared, while further financial aid for qualified beneficiaries is currently being processed, the mayor added.
The City Health Office (CHO) also conducted health and wellness interventions for affected residents, including the distribution of treated mosquito nets, free medical consultations, and psychological first aid to help families cope with the trauma caused by the fire.
Gasataya personally visited the fire victims to assess their condition and determine what further support the city government could provide.
He also thanked the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for its swift response and continued assistance to affected families.
“Let us rise together, Barangay 39. The city government will do everything within its capacity to help you overcome this trial,” the mayor said.
The city government will continue its recovery efforts in coordination with national agencies and community partners to help affected families rebuild their homes and restore their livelihoods.
Gasataya also assured that the city remains open to assisting fire victims who wish to relocate./PN
