ILOILO City – Ninety houses were damaged and 387 residents displaced after a fire tore through Barangay Benedicto in Jaro district, prompting the Iloilo City Government to roll out emergency and financial assistance to affected families.
Mayor Raisa Treñas assured victims that city hall would shoulder financial support as part of its recovery efforts, even as relief operations remain in full swing.
“We will make sure nga ang tanan nga naapektuhan sang sunog sa Benedicto, Jaro financial assistance. Aton siguruhon nga may ara sila sang bulig nga mabaton samtang naga-recover sila kag maka-umpisa liwat,” Treñas said.
The fire broke out shortly before 1 p.m. on February 16, with residents reporting that the first alarm was raised at 12:54 p.m.
It quickly escalated to a fourth alarm as flames spread through tightly packed homes, most of which were made of light materials.
Treñas said the city has mobilized all available resources to address both immediate and long-term needs of the displaced residents.
“Indi naton sila pagpabay-an. Padayon ang aton pagbulig — indi lang sa emergency response kundi pati sa ila pagbangon pagkatapos sang sini nga trahedya,” she stressed, noting that coordination among concerned offices has been intensified to fast-track assistance.
However, the mayor has yet to announce the exact amount each family will receive as validation remains ongoing.
Records from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) showed that 90 households were affected, with 86 houses totally destroyed and four partially damaged.
A total of 113 families, or 387 individuals, were displaced by the blaze.
The CSWDO immediately conducted assessment and validation operations following the Monday afternoon incident.
Senior Fire Officer 1 Denmark Macoco said the blaze originated from a house owned by Federico Gonzales and rapidly spread to adjacent structures.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) dispatched 15 fire trucks and three ambulances to contain the fire, bringing it under control by 1:50 p.m. and fully extinguishing it by 2:26 p.m.
No casualties were reported.
A community kitchen was activated to ensure a steady food supply, while the Barangay Multi-Purpose Hall was opened as a temporary evacuation center. Food packs and non-food items were distributed to families who lost their homes.
City officials said coordination with the barangay and other departments will continue to ensure sustained assistance as families begin rebuilding their homes and livelihoods./PN
