Story by JOSEPHINE M. MENDOZA
With data and photos from RENE CASTINO
With data and photos from RENE CASTINO
FORTY-NINE (49) families lost their homes to a late afternoon fire that totally razed 34 and partially damaged 4 houses in Barangay Poblacion 13, Catbalogan City in June 10, 2023. Property damages is estimated at Php500,000.00
“We lost everything because our house is right next to that of an on-line food seller’s house where the fire started,” Myrna (not her real name), one of the fire victims, said in one of the interviews on facebook.
“I hurriedly went out of my house when I heard a man screaming about a fire and saw for myself that the blaze was rapidly spreading and engulfing houses as aggravated by strong winds blowing at that time,” Myrna continued with tears.
Duty investigator, SFOI Arvie A. Nacional of the Bureau of Fire Protection, Catbalogan City Fire Station in an official Extract, reported that the house where the fire started is owned by Jessica Villanueva.
“The cause and origin of fire in the residence involved is still under investigation,” SFO1 Nacional informed Calbayog Journal.
The fire, reaching to a Second Alarm Level, was estimated to have started at 5:36PM and was declared “fire-out” an hour and 29 minutes later.
While under investigation, the house where the fire started is still cordoned and restricted.
“We lost everything because our house is right next to that of an on-line food seller’s house where the fire started,” Myrna (not her real name), one of the fire victims, said in one of the interviews on facebook.
“I hurriedly went out of my house when I heard a man screaming about a fire and saw for myself that the blaze was rapidly spreading and engulfing houses as aggravated by strong winds blowing at that time,” Myrna continued with tears.
Duty investigator, SFOI Arvie A. Nacional of the Bureau of Fire Protection, Catbalogan City Fire Station in an official Extract, reported that the house where the fire started is owned by Jessica Villanueva.
“The cause and origin of fire in the residence involved is still under investigation,” SFO1 Nacional informed Calbayog Journal.
The fire, reaching to a Second Alarm Level, was estimated to have started at 5:36PM and was declared “fire-out” an hour and 29 minutes later.
While under investigation, the house where the fire started is still cordoned and restricted.
FAMILIES AT THE EVACUATION CENTER, BARANGAY PAYAO: Twenty-five (25) families, for a total of 112 individuals are temporarily housed at the Evacuation Center in Barangay Payao.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) recorded 58 females and 54 males that are now at the evacuation center. Nine of these are senior citizens (6 females, 3 males).
There are 33 children aged 0-12 years, 8 teeners and 62 individuals belonging to the 20-59 age group.
Accordingly, other families opted to temporarily stay with relatives in the city. The CSWDO is still finalizing records as to number of individuals from the 24 families outside of the evacuation center.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) recorded 58 females and 54 males that are now at the evacuation center. Nine of these are senior citizens (6 females, 3 males).
There are 33 children aged 0-12 years, 8 teeners and 62 individuals belonging to the 20-59 age group.
Accordingly, other families opted to temporarily stay with relatives in the city. The CSWDO is still finalizing records as to number of individuals from the 24 families outside of the evacuation center.
ASSISTANCE TO FIRE VICTIMS: Samar Vice Governor Arnold Tan and Catbalogan City Mayor Dexter Uy visited the families in the evacuation center to provide immediate assistance of food packs, beddings and clothing for the families.
Mayor Dexter Uy, in an interview, said that the fire victims in the evacuation center and those who are staying with relatives will receive cash assistance from the city government on top of the immediate provisions of food packs, beddings and clothing.
“The sharers/renters will receive cash assistance in the amount ranging from Php5,000.00 to Php10,000.00 while the house owners will receive an amount not less than Php10,000 to a maximum of Php15,000.00 depending on the assessment of our social workers,” Mayor Uy said.
The City Mayor expressed confidence that help from private individuals, government agencies and officials will come. He also assured that the city government will always be available in terms of assistance to the fire victims.
“I also asked assistance from government agencies and people in the government in providing assistance to our fire victims,” the City Mayor added.
Mayor Uy encouraged the fire victims to be strong in facing the challenges of starting anew with the assurance that the city government will readily hear them out and will do whatever necessary within its means.(CJ/JMM/rc)
Mayor Dexter Uy, in an interview, said that the fire victims in the evacuation center and those who are staying with relatives will receive cash assistance from the city government on top of the immediate provisions of food packs, beddings and clothing.
“The sharers/renters will receive cash assistance in the amount ranging from Php5,000.00 to Php10,000.00 while the house owners will receive an amount not less than Php10,000 to a maximum of Php15,000.00 depending on the assessment of our social workers,” Mayor Uy said.
The City Mayor expressed confidence that help from private individuals, government agencies and officials will come. He also assured that the city government will always be available in terms of assistance to the fire victims.
“I also asked assistance from government agencies and people in the government in providing assistance to our fire victims,” the City Mayor added.
Mayor Uy encouraged the fire victims to be strong in facing the challenges of starting anew with the assurance that the city government will readily hear them out and will do whatever necessary within its means.(CJ/JMM/rc)
