Bacolod City gives PHP 2.9M aid to Barangay 27 fire victims

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya said fire victims in Barangay 27 have begun leaving evacuation sites over the weekend to rebuild their homes.

Gasataya, who led Bacolod Day on Saturday as part of the 39th Negros Trade Fair in Manila, told reporters that “most if not all have gone back to the barangay to reconstruct their respective houses.”

He further assured the fire victims in Barangay 27 that the city government will continue to support them following the release of PHP 2.9 million in financial assistance from the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD)–Bacolod.

Gasataya said the affected families were temporarily sheltered at the Apolinario Mabini Elementary School.

“The city has committed to provide additional assistance. The victims of the fire will not be abandoned by the city. They are gradually rebuilding their homes, and we must also ensure there is proper road access,” Gasataya emphasized.

The financial assistance was distributed on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, to 290 affected families.

According to the DSSD, 144 families whose houses were completely destroyed received PHP 15,000 each, while families with partially damaged homes received PHP 10,000 each.

In addition, 146 sharers and renters each received PHP 5,000.

Joining Mayor Gasataya during the payout were Councilors Homer Bais, Celia Flor, Psyche Marie Sy, and Bobby Rojas, together with DSSD head Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga.

The DSSD is also coordinating with local agencies to ensure sustained support for the fire-affected families.

Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Government is in talks with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) regarding a possible land donation for an onsite housing project in the barangay.