ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug. 22 (PIA) – Zamboanga City Government together with National Government Agencies immediately provide assistance to 223 families affected by the fire incident on Sunday, August 20, 2023 around 8:40pm in Barangay Camino Nuevo, Zamboanga City.
The fire was reported to have reached third alarm and the Bureau of Fire Protection – Zamboanga City Fire Alert declared the fire under control as of 10:36pm.
Per report from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), two persons were treated for minor injuries sustained during the fire incident and no reported casualties. Meanwhile, BFP-ZC Fire District estimated Php 1-Million cost of damages of more or less 150 houses and they have yet to determine the cause of the fire incident.
The Local Government Unit’s (LGU) immediate response included providing emergency temporary shelters, food, and clothing, ensuring that the basic needs of the affected families were met without delay.
Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe instructed the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to mobilize City Government resources to provide the necessary assistance to alleviate the plight of the affected families. The Housing and Land Management Division together with the City Assessor's Office is expected to commence tagging and census of the families in the affected areas.
The City Government also assisted the Department of Social Welfare and Development with their Regional Director Riduan Hadjimuddin in distributing food packs and other relief goods to families displaced. The relief assistance from DSWD included family food packs (FFPs), sleeping kits and hygiene kits. The agency likewise provided modular tents at the evacuation centers.
Joining in the distribution were representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), CSWDO staff and other agencies and groups who also responded in providing relief assistance.
However, the City Government’s commitment did not stop at short-term relief. Mayor Dalipe assured that government assistance will continue to help the fire survivors get through the crisis.
They recognized the importance of helping the affected families rebuild their lives. The assistance will also include housing reconstruction and providing access to essential services. (NBE/AB/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)