Community support pours in for 700 families affected by Cavite City fire
CAVITE CITY – Community aid is pouring in for more than 700 families affected by the massive fire that broke out in four barangays on Feb. 12.
City Social Welfare and Development Officer Rowena Andrade told the Manila Bulletin that the local government unit (LGU) is currently assisting three evacuation centers housing fire victims.
"We provide hot meals, pero sa dami ng mga taong tumulong, nakakatuwa, sumobra talaga 'yung mga pagkain. Dumating pa po kami sa punto na pati 'yung mga damit ay hindi na muna namin pinapayagan sa sobrang dami (Because many people helped, there was a surplus of food. We came to a point where we had to turn down clothing donations)," Andrade said during a phone interview.

Amid the outpouring of support, donors are encouraged to coordinate with the LGU first before sending help to evacuation centers to ensure that no food donation is spoiled or wasted.
Over the weekend, the LGU focused on providing shelter, food, and other essentials to the fire victims.
Various departments are set to meet on Feb. 14 to discuss the victims' other needs, such as educational arrangements for students.
The social welfare office is also providing psycho-social support for victims, including the provision of child-friendly spaces where kids can do activities to help them cope with the traumatic event.
City health officers are working to ensure that minimum health protocols are observed in evacuation centers by limiting the number of individuals to 15 per classroom. Face masks and sanitizers were also distributed to evacuees.
