• THERESA MAE DULMAN
A total of 117 families who were affected by a series of fire incidents in various barangays in Bacolod City, received a total of P1.25 million in financial assistance during a payout held at the Bacolod City College Activity Center yesterday.
Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) head Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga said families with totally destroyed homes received P15,000, while those with partially damaged properties were given P10,000, and renters and sharers affected by the fires received P5,000 each.
Records from the DSSD includes 62 families from Barangay 10, 19 from Barangay Banago, 18 from Barangay 26, 11 from Barangay Singcang, 5 from Barangay Bata, and 2 from Barangay Alijis.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said on Tuesday that the processing of documents for the local fund-sourced aid was finalized last Friday.
The mayor further noted that he met with several victims last Saturday to discuss relocation opportunities, an offer that was welcomed by the affected residents.
Gasataya has directed the Bacolod Housing Authority to expedite the development of remaining city-owned properties for fire victims and informal settlers currently living in identified danger zones.*
