More aids for fire victims

THE LOCAL government of Zamboanga thanked the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other government agencies for distributing financial aid and relief goods, among other assistance to fire victims in Barangay Recodo.

 DSWD Assistant Secretary Jade Jamolod and Mayor Beng Climaco lead the distribution of cash aid and relief goods to some 480 families affected by last month's fire in Barangay Recodo. (Bong Serondo)

Mayor Beng Climaco also joined social workers from the local government in aiding some 480 victims of last month’s fire. Among the agencies that participated in the humanitarian mission were the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Health, National Housing Authority, and the Department of Labor and Employment.  

Climaco praised DSWD’s efforts and lauded Assistant Secretary Jade Jamolod, who was also in the mission. The distribution of aid was held at the covered court of neighboring Barangay Cawit. 

“Miles de gracias con este maga agencia y con Asec Jamolod por el suporta y asistencia na maga familia afectao na calamidad aqui na ciudad de Zamboanga,” the mayor said. 

It was the second wave of government assistance to fire victims in the past weeks.

Climaco and social workers also led the distribution of kitchen kits, water containers, rice and other goods to the fire victims last month. Rep. Jawo Jimenez and Councilors Pinpin Pareja and El King Omaga also joined the distribution together with DSWD-9 personnel led by Fatima Caminan, and City Social Welfare and Development Office staff led by Socorro Rojas.

The DSWD also provided modular tents at the evacuation center. Those who received the aid thanked Climaco and the DSWD.  

Climaco said the local government and other government agencies are collaborating to help and assist the displaced families. She also thanked those who responded and continue to help the fire victims. “I tasked the CSWDO to fast track assessment and validation of affected families for the release of needed financial assistance and directed the Housing and Land Management Division to start tagging those who need assistance,” she said. 

The recent fire destroyed at least 300 houses, according to the local government, but it did not say what triggered the blaze. (Zamboanga Post)