• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has extended a total of P2,339,000 financial assistance coming from his personal funds, to the 236 families whose residences were burned on September 12 in Barangay 27, Bacolod City.
An amount of P10,000 each was given to 217 homeowners, 26 renters received P5,000 each, while sharers got P3,000 each, according to Councilor Caesar Distrito, the spokesman of Benitez.
Distrito said the P2.3 million financial assistance came from the personal funds of Rep. Benitez, which aims to help the fire victims to recover and meet their immediate needs.
“Congressman Benitez wants our affected families to have something they can use right away – for food, clothes, or whatever their most urgent needs are. This is just the first step. Rebuilding lives and homes will take more time, but he will be with them every step of the way,” Distrito added.
Benitez also committed to seek further support from the national government and to provide additional food assistance in the coming days to the fire victims.
The Bacolod solon also highlighted the importance of clarifying the property ownership status in the affected area, to facilitate the smooth and orderly rebuilding process.
Benitez said that knowing the status of the land is key to determining how best to help families rebuild their homes.
“No Bacolodnon should feel alone after a tragedy like this. I will make sure that every family is given a fair chance to start again,” said Benitez, who personally turned over the financial assistance to the fire victims on Saturday.
The solon lauded barangay officials, city personnel, volunteers, and first responders for their quick action and compassion.
“This is a time for all of us to stand together. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked tirelessly to keep residents safe and assist in the aftermath of the fire. Together, we will help these families rise again,” he added.
The fire left 964 individuals homeless, who are temporarily staying at the Mabini Elementary School in Bacolod City.
The city government of Silay City led by Mayor Joedith Gallego also extended assistance to the fire victims, in the form of canned goods and rice.*
