DAVAO CITY – Five-hundred fire victims here had a pleasant New Year’s Eve as Rep. Paolo Duterte, through the Pulong Pulong ni Pulong (PPP) program, provided them with more than 20 roasted pigs or “lechon baboy” and other special meals on New Year’s Eve.
STAFF of Rep. Paolo Duterte prepare roasted pig or ‘lechon’ for fire victims in Davao City on New Year’s Eve. (Ivy Tejano)
PPP staff first distributed food packs and cash assistance to fire victims – 133 owners, 165 sharers, 44 renters, and 34 boarders and caretakers – who also received hot porridge in Barangay Leon Garcia in Agdao District at 4 p.m.
Duterte’s team prepared 20 roasted pigs and chicken barbecue, roasted fish, and "pancit bihon" or rice vermicelli with rice and ice cream for dessert for the fire victims. They also received new clothes.
Fifty-six-year-old Maria Eliza Paylado, a resident of Barangay Leon Garcia, thanked the lawmaker as she did not expect to have a lovely New Year’s Eve celebration after what happened. She narrated that she was with her grandchild when the fire struck.
“I am more than grateful that nobody got hurt in my family – my wife and my three children. We lost things, but what matters most is that we are together to celebrate this wonderful treat from Congressman Pulong for New Year’s Eve,” Breliangean Bayocboc, 29, of the same barangay, said.
The Bureau of Fire Protection-Davao region said at least 300 houses were gutted and 800 individuals were rendered homeless by the fire due to an overheated appliance on December 27, Wednesday.
Barangay Leon Garcia Captain Lita Empis thanked Duterte for the support and meals for the fire victims, adding that seeing them welcoming the New Year with hopeful anticipation is heartwarming.
Duterte’s team proceeded to San Francisco de Asis Village in Barangay 74-A Matina Crossing to distribute immediate assistance to over 100 victims – 17 owners, two sharers, 17 renters, and eight boarders – of a fire on New Year’s Eve.
They received food packs, hot porridge, and new clothes and are set to receive cash aid this week.
The PPP staff prepared for them seven roasted pigs and chicken barbecue, roasted fish, and pancit bihon with cooked rice and ice cream.
Also receiving assistance from Duterte were seven families who were victims of a fire that razed three houses and a commercial building in Purok 33, Ramon Magsaysay, Calinan, on New Year’s Day. They will receive cash aid on January 2.
Duterte, who wished everyone safe and sound health, apologized for being unable to visit the fire victims on New Year’s Eve due to a prior commitment with his family.