ILOILO City – With 90 homes damaged partially or totally and 387 residents displaced, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 6 assured that “no family will be left behind” as it mobilized its Quick Response Team to validate and assist all families affected by the fire in Barangay Benedicto, Jaro district.
Regional Director Joselito Estember personally visited the evacuation center on February 17 to oversee operations and ensure that government support reaches every displaced household.
As of the latest data, 86 houses were totally destroyed while four sustained partial damage. The 113 affected families were either now staying at the evacuation center, at the barangay chapel, or with their relatives.
The DSWD-6 Relief assistance included Family Food Packs (FFPs), Ready-to-Eat Food (RTEF) items, and Non-Food Items (NFIs) such as kitchen kits, sleeping kits, and hygiene kits.
Director Estember, together with the Iloilo Quick Response Team (QRT), also conducted an assessment to monitor the condition of the affected residents. The team continues to coordinate with the city government to ensure that sufficient assistance is provided and that the basic needs of the displaced families are met.
In line with the directives of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the DSWD assured the public that relief assistance and other appropriate interventions will remain readily available.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that no family is left behind during this time of crisis./PN
