OVER 1,000 persons were displaced by a fire that gutted down a residential area in Cavite City last Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Denver Chua reported yesterday.
In a radio interview, Chua said food assistance and hygiene kits have been provided to the affected residents who are currently staying in three evacuation centers.
“Our plan is to give them financial assistance…The DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) will provide cash assistance. Same with the local government, we will provide cash assistance,” said Chua.
Citing information from fire investigators, Chua said the fire broke at one of the houses in Barangay 22-A and quickly spread to nearby houses and in the nearby barangays of 22-M and 28.
The Cavite City fire station declared the fire under control at around 5:22 p.m. Wednesday.
“As of now, we have recorded 622 families (affected by the fire),” said Chua, adding there could be more families that have sought shelter with their relatives.
“Up to this time, the Bureau of Fire Protection is still investigating but based on the initial report, it appeared it was caused by an electrical problem,” Chua said.
He added that the affected informal settlers might be allowed to restore and return to their homes.
“One of our long-term plans is to create a horizontal (condominium type) housing program… to accommodate our informal settlers,” said Chua.
“Of course, we all know that if we are going to pursue such a big project, it would take months or years. So, while waiting for this kind of project or housing program, maybe they will have to return to their area,” said Chua.
