Malacañang to give P30,000 aid to Parola fire victims in Binondo

The Office of the President will distribute P30,000 in assistance to families displaced by the massive fire that hit a residential area at the Parola compound in Binondo over the weekend, Malacañang said Monday.

“Makikipag-ugnayan ang Office of the President sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Maynila upang mabilis na maipamahagi ang tulong pinansyal sa mga biktima ng sunog,” Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said during a press briefing.

(The Office of the President will coordinate with the Manila local government to promptly distribute financial assistance to fire victims.)

She also reported that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has so far provided P5.6 million in aid.

“Sa kabuuan, umabot na sa halos P5.6M ang tulong na naipaabot ng DSWD sa mga kababayan nating na biktima ng sunog sa Binondo,” Castro said.

(In total, the DSWD has provided nearly P5.6 million in assistance to our fellow citizens affected by the fire in Binondo.)

She added that affected families also received P10,000 in financial assistance from the DSWD.

Meanwhile, the National Housing Authority (NHA) will provide P30,000 in aid under its Emergency Housing Assistance Program.

The Department of Health (DOH) has also distributed more than P230,000 worth of medicines, vitamins, and hygiene kits to affected residents in evacuation centers to help prevent illness due to overcrowding and limited access to sanitation facilities.

The DOH said the hygiene kits include personal items such as shampoo, soap, towels, oral care kits, and undergarments.

Human Resources for Health (HRH) personnel have also been deployed to assist in delivering health services and addressing the immediate needs of displaced residents.

The DOH added it continues to coordinate with local authorities to ensure sustained health services for affected communities.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday assured continued government assistance to families displaced by the fire during a visit to evacuees at the Delpan Evacuation Center earlier in the day.

He said various government agencies, led by the DSWD, are coordinating with the City of Manila to provide immediate relief.

“Meron po tayong hygiene kit, family kit, at food assistance na P10,000 para meron po kayong magamit,” he said.

(We have hygiene kits, family kits, and P10,000 in food assistance so you have something to use.)

More than 2,000 families were displaced by the fire, which reached Task Force Bravo at 4:10 p.m. on Saturday and Task Force Charlie at 5:15 p.m.

Firefighters declared the blaze out at 12:15 a.m. on Sunday. Authorities reported no casualties.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and the extent of damage.—MCG, GMA News