TACLOBAN CITY – Following a devastating fire that engulfed several houses in the upland village of Himalandrog on February 19, the provincial government of Samar and the city government of Calbayog promptly extended assistance to the affected families.
About 72 families received P30,000 cash assistance, with P20,000 provided by the provincial government and P10,000 as a counterpart from the city.
According to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the fire in Himalandrog completely destroyed 69 houses and partially damaged three others.
The distribution of aid was led by Rep.Stephen James Tan (1st district), Mayor Raymund Uy, and Vice Mayor Rex Daguman, along with representatives from various government agencies.
Apart from cash assistance, the fire victims also received support from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the form of food and non-food items, including family food packs, kitchen kits, family kits, and distilled water.
The fire not only ravaged homes but also impacted several school buildings in the area.
Chief Fire Inspector Leo Joshua Dangatan of the Calbayog City Bureau of Fire Protection explained that the remote location of Himalandrog posed challenges for firefighters, as there is no nearby fire substation and access to the village is difficult.
Dangatan further noted that the nearest accessible village to Himalandrog with vehicular access is in Barangay Tanval, requiring a trek of over an hour.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
