Fire victims in Davao City get aid

DAVAO CITY - Some 2,000 families affected by a huge fire incident here on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 25) received immediate assistance from the Office of First Congressional District Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte shortly after the incident.

Families who are currently sheltered at Barangay 21-C Gymnasium in Piapi Boulevard, received heavy snacks and dinner from the lawmaker's office.

Duterte's staff also distributed emergency food packs the following day, February 26, in the same place while assessing the situation of the fire victims. The lawmaker's office will also provide hot meals to the victim for five days.

Three barangays - 21-C, 22-C, and 23-C - had been affected by the huge fire incident. At least four families were affected in Barangay 23-C, while several families were affected in two other barangays mentioned above. 

Duterte's office has been providing immediate assistance and food packs to the district's constituents and other residents in the city affected by man-made and natural calamities.

The Davao City Fire District noted that up to 1,200 houses were destroyed by a fire that hit a coastal area in Barangay 21-C Piapi Boulevard on Saturday at around 1 p.m.

Davao City Fire District spokesperson Senior Fire Officer 4 Ramil Gillado said that the houses destroyed were mostly made of light materials, with damage estimated at around P9 million. There was no reported injury or death from the incident. 

The fire was reported at around 1:06 p.m and was declared under control at 2:59 p.m.,Saturday.

The Davao City Government, meanwhile, has set up donation drop-off points for those who wish to send help and assistance for families affected by the fire incident in Barangay 21-C.

The city is asking those individuals to donate food (ready to eat), bottled water, hygiene kits, and sleeping materials.