145 Barangay 27 fire victims receive NHA cash assistance

BACOLOD CITY — A total of 145 residents from Barangay 27, displaced by a fire in September, received financial assistance on Thursday through the National Housing Authority’s (NHA) Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP).

The cash assistance aims to help families in rebuilding their homes, many of which were completely destroyed during the fire incident.

The release of aid was facilitated by the Bacolod City Government through the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), headed by Dr. Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga, who ensured the swift processing of beneficiary documents.

Of the total recipients, 144 individuals whose homes were completely destroyed each received PHP 30,000, while one resident with a partially damaged home received PHP 10,000.

“To everyone, our commitment is there that we will continue to give support and help each other for Brgy. 27 to rise up again. What is important is to do what we have committed,” said Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya during the distribution.

Chelzy Jane Caspy, NHA Community Support Officer, underscored the program’s objective: “Our purpose is to provide help to those who were affected by calamities, whether natural or man-induced. This assistance was given so you can slowly rebuild the homes that were taken away by the fire.”

Among the recipients was 67-year-old Delsa Allaga, who said her family continues to live in a temporary shelter. “We will use this assistance to finish rebuilding our home and finally remove the tarpaulins,” she shared.

Nilo, another beneficiary who received PHP 30,000, echoed the sentiment: “This is a big help since this will help us finish our home.”

Mayor Gasataya reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to collaborate with national agencies to ensure that Barangay 27 residents recover and rebuild stronger homes and communities. (BCCO)