SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA)— Following the fire that razed the public wet market of this city early Thursday morning, the city government of San Fernando is calling for monetary and in-kind donations to help the vendors and stall owners who lost their livelihood.

For in-kind donations, donors may go to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) at the North Tanqui Terminal.

In-kind donors may call the CDRRMO at 0917-676-7673 or 0928-522-0622.

The CDRRMO discourages the donation of used clothes in accordance with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Administrative Order No. 11 series of 2012. Infant formula milk is also prohibited under Department of Health Administrative Order No. 2017-00117.

For monetary donations, donors may go to the City Treasury Office on the first floor of the City Hall or contact them at (072) 6878 100 local (119).

According to the city government, the declaration of the city council of a state of calamity is being solicited to pave the way for the release of the calamity fund for immediate relief and assistance and recovery of affected stall owners and businessmen.

It said that at least 1,156 stalls were destroyed and damage was placed at more than P200 million.

According to Mayor Hermenegildo “Dong” Gualberto, to be able to bounce back quickly from the incident, they are asking for volunteers to help in the clearing operations.

“Kahit ano pong klaseng tulong, kakailanganin po natin sa mga panahong ito…para po sa mabilis na pagbangon ng bawat isa, we will be grateful,” Mayor Gualberto said.

(“We need your help to whatever extent it may be for the quick recovery of our brothers and sisters in San Fernando City.)

The city government will give financial assistance to registered stall owners and vendors in the area.

The DSWD has also ensured financial assistance to aid the victims.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire that turned the public market of San Fernando City, La Union into ruins.

The fire started at past 1 a.m. and was declared “fire out” at 6:52 a.m.

The affected stall owners will undergo psychosocial debriefing while a recovery plan will also be discussed among the stall owners, the city government, and other agencies.

Affected stall owners will be temporarily relocated to the covered courts of Barangays Ilocanos Sur and Norte.

The market office operations meanwhile will be temporarily relocated to the barangay hall of Barangay Ilocanos Sur. (JCR/AMB/REB/PIA Region 1)