DSWD distributes P15.9-M aid to fire victims in Lapu-Lapu City
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed P15.9 million worth of cash, food, and non-food items to victims of a massive fire that hit a coastal village in Lapu-Lapu City.

Through its Field Office 7 in Central Visayas, DSWD Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero led the release of emergency cash transfer assistance on Friday, Dec. 22, to some 1,759 families affected, with a disbursement of more than P11.6 million in aid.
“Among the assistance provided were family food packs (FFPs), cash aid, and non-food items such as sleeping kits,” she added.
In her message, the regional director reminded the beneficiaries to allot the financial assistance they received to rebuild their homes, use as rental payments, or buy necessities.
The regional director said the agency has been conducting relief operations for the affected residents since the fire broke out in Sitio Sta. Maria, Barangay Pusok last Dec. 12.
Families with damaged houses received P10,530 each, while those with partially damaged homes received P5,265 each.
As per the DSWD Field Office report, a total of 581 houses were damaged, of which 577 were destroyed and four were partially damaged.
“We are still in close coordination with the LGU of Lapu-Lapu City and assured them that the agency is prepared to deliver more augmentation support to the affected families upon assessment and request,” the regional director added.
Before the release of emergency cash aid, the DSWD had already distributed more than 4,600 food packs and delivered some 1,098 ten-liter bottles of water, 1,098 sleeping kits, and 2,196 along to the affected families.
The director further assured the affected families that the agency would continue to coordinate with the concerned LGU to ensure that immediate assistance would be provided.