Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, together with Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, speaks before the affected residents who lost their homes in a fire in Parola Compound last March 6. (Photo from Manila PIO)
A total of 349 families who lost their homes in a huge fire that hit Gates 9 to 12 of Parola Compound in Tondo, Manila, last March 6 were given financial and social assistance by the city government as they continue to recover from the disaster.
According to Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, around P5.09 million was allocated by the local government unit (LGU) for the evacuees at the Delpan Evacuation Center following the fire.
Each family received P15,000 cash aid, a family kit, a sleeping kit, a food box, and regular provisions of hot meals while they are still staying at the evacuation center.
“Ang importante buhay kayong lahat kasama ang pamilya ninyo, kahit maraming suliranin, may awa ang Diyos, makakaraos tayo (The important thing is that you and your family are alive. Despite all the problems that may come to us, God always has mercy, and we will survive)," Domagoso reminded the evacuees.
According to the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the fire that hit the residential area had reached the fourth alarm before it was fully extinguished.
Firefighters said the blaze quickly spread to other houses, as most of the structures in the area were built from light materials.
Authorities said the fire caused P800,000 worth of damages.