Nine families or 35 individuals in Barangay Palimbang, Calumpit, Bulacan are asking for help from the national and local governments after their houses were gutted by a fire reportedly caused by a lighted candle at a makeshift altar on Tuesday, May 2. "Sa tuwing uuwi kasi ng bahay si "Edgar" (not real name) nagtutulos siya ng kandila sa kanilang altar para sa kanyang Tatay, Nanay, at kapatid na namatay noong kasagsagan ng pandemya," (Every time he goes home, "Edgar" (not his real name) would  light a candle in the altar for his father, mother, and brother who died at the height of the pandemic)," the man said. Reportedly, alias "Edgar" arrived home under the influence of liquor, lit a candle for his departed relatives at the makeshift altar in his home, and fell asleep. He was lucky to leave his burning house before it was razed, as well as eight other houses that were made of light materials. A restaurant was also hit by fire. Town councilors Alvin Danganan and Thelma Dansalan immediately extended financial and food assistance to the fire victims. The fire victims are temporarily sheltered at an evacuation center and were given medicine and hygiene kits. According to reports, the fire broke out at around 12:30 p.m. and was declared fire out around 3:00 pm. The fire victims were assured of assistance by the provincial government.
Councilors Alvin Danganan and Thelma Dansalan of Calumpit, Bulacan extend assistance to the fire victims in Barangay Palimbang. (Photo courtesy of Marcel Bayan)