Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto urged fire victims in Barangay Bagong Ilog on Sunday, April 19, to be truthful in claiming assistance, as the city enforces strict validation in aid distribution.
Pasig City government assist fire victims and distribute relief goods following a fire in Barangay Bagong Ilog. (Photo from Mayor Vico Sotto)
Sotto warned that false claims may delay the process and affect other beneficiaries.
He said aid will only be released after verification by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and PUSO teams to ensure fair and accurate distribution.
“Magbigay ng buong kooperasyon at wastong impormasyon sa ating CSWDO validators. Huwag sabihin na dalawang pamilya kung isa lang naman talaga. Huwag mag-claim na total damage kung hindi naman (Provide full cooperation and accurate information to our CSWDO validators. Do not declare two families if there is only one. Do not claim total damage if that is not the case),” Sotto said.
“Iilan lang naman 'yung ganun, pero tumatatagal ang proseso dahil sa kanila. Lalo na’t medyo malaki rin ang ating financial assistance, siguraduhin natin na tama at patas ang pamamahagi nito (There are only a few who do this, but the process is delayed because of them. Since the financial assistance is substantial, we must ensure it is distributed properly and fairly),” he added.
The mayor said the city follows a standard response during fire incidents.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) handles fire suppression and investigation, while evacuation centers are immediately opened and managed by the CSWDO.
Affected families immediately receive hot meals provided by the barangay for the first three days. Sleeping and hygiene kits are also distributed upon arrival at evacuation sites.
Sotto said on-site validation is conducted before the release of additional assistance.
After validation, the city distributes relief goods, including food items and non-food essentials such as kitchenware, sourced from both government and private donors.
Financial assistance will also be provided to affected residents, including homeowners, renters, sharers, and those with partially damaged properties.
The city government said it will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that aid reaches legitimate beneficiaries.