Residents in Calasiao, Pangasinan have come together to help a family whose home was destroyed by fire, offering donations and building a temporary shelter in a show of community solidarity.

Carlito Macaraeg, 55, watched in grief as his house burned down at noon on Monday, April 27, 2026, leaving him and his four children — all with disabilities — without a home.

“Nagluluto ng saing iyong bata, nasunog… Merong balita kay kagawad, galing ako trabaho,” Macaraeg said.

Following the incident, neighbors and local officials mobilized assistance, providing cash, food, clothes and other daily necessities to the family.

On Tuesday, April 28, residents led by the barangay chairman carried and assembled a nipa hut to serve as temporary shelter for Macaraeg and his children.

Barangay Longos chairman Joseph Uson said the local government is prepared to extend further support if donations fall short.

“Dugtungan na lang niya ‘yong mga tulong na ipinagkaloob sa kanya… kung anuman ang mga materyales na puwedeng bilhin, i-provide po namin kung kumulang man ‘yong mga donasyon, handa po ang barangay na dagdagan iyon,” Uson said.

Another resident, Adelita Maynigo-Sanchez, offered a portion of her land where the temporary shelter could be placed and has also been helping care for the children.

“Hindi rin mahirap, kasi alam ko, walang mag-guide sa kanya, ako na lang. Kasi alam niyo mahirap ang buhay, kahit mahirap, kakayanin natin sa pagtulong, kahit konti-konti, nandiyaan naman si Lord,” she said.

Barangay officials said they continue to monitor the family’s condition and are providing medical assistance as needed.

“Open naman iyong pintuan natin sa kanya 24/7. Kung anuman iyong pangangailangan mo, nandito lang ang Longos Barangay Council, handang ibigay lahat una mong pangangailangan,” Uson said.

Macaraeg expressed gratitude for the support extended to his family.

“Maraming tumulong, salamat. Maraming tulong sa akin, sa anak ko, hindi sila nagsasalita,” he said.