The Malabon City government announced on Wednesday, July 9, the implementation of a new ordinance granting free documentary assistance to residents affected by fire and other calamities.

According to the city’s Public Information Office (PIO), Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and the city council signed City Ordinance No. 11-2025, or the “Documentary Relief Assistance to Fire and Other Victims of Natural Calamities Ordinance,” to help ease the burden on affected families by waiving fees for essential documents such as birth, marriage, and death certificates.

The ordinance aims to exempt qualified residents from paying for document authentication and record verification when securing official local records.

Sandoval said the initiative is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to supporting residents during recovery.

"Sa pamamagitan po ng ordinansang ito, nais po natin matulungan ang ating mga mahal na Malabueño na naapektuhan ng sunog at iba pang unos. Alam po natin ang bigat na nararanasan nila, kaya naman po ito ay ating ipinatupad para makatulong at mabawasan ang kanilang alalahanin lalo na't mahalaga ang magkaroon ng mga dokumento para sa kanilang pagkakakkilanlan at iba pang pangangailangan. Naririto lamang po ang pamahalaang lungsod upang umagapay sa inyo (Through this ordinance, the city government aims to assist Malabueños affected by fires and other calamities. We understand the burden they carry, which is why we implemented this measure to help ease their worries—especially since official documents are essential for identification and other needs. The local government is here to support and stand by them),” she said.

The exemption applies within one year from the date of the incident and may be availed through the city Civil Registry Office, in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

Qualified applicants include the owner of the affected house, their spouse, parents, direct descendants, or legal guardian.

The documents issued under this ordinance are valid for all official transactions and do not expire. However, the assistance is granted only once and is non-transferable.

To prevent abuse, penalties will be imposed on violators: P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second, and P3,000 for the third.

City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete assured the public that the city government remains ready to respond to residents' needs during times of crisis.

“Mayroon pong mga sakuna na hindi natin inaasahan gaya ng sunog. Pero makasisiguro po ang bawat Malabueño na tayo ay nakahandang tumulong, at magbigay ng agarang pagrespondee. Makakaasa po ang mga Malabueño na tayo ay palaging nakaalalay sa kanilang mga pangangailangan (There are disasters, such as fires, that we cannot foresee. But every Malabueño can be assured that the local government is always ready to help and respond immediately. They can count on the city's continued support and assistance in times of need),” Rosete said.

He also encouraged residents to use the city’s All Hazards One Network Alert 24/7 application for immediate assistance during emergencies.