Benitez gives PHP 2.3M aid to Bacolod fire victims

1 of 2

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support extended to fire victims in Barangay 27, saying many individuals and groups immediately offered assistance despite the tragedy.

“In behalf of Bacolod City, I am thankful for the overwhelming support shown to our fellow residents who lost their homes in the fire Friday,” Gasataya told reporters in an ambush interview during the official launch of the MassKara Festival on Saturday.

The mayor added that a meeting with the barangay captain was held to validate the area, identify property ownership, and discuss initial steps for relief and recovery.

Another meeting is set today, Monday, to finalize plans for the affected families.

According to Gasataya, the property—spanning more than 7,000 square meters—belongs to an old government corporation, and the city is currently retrieving records to clarify ownership and ensure proper arrangements.

“We are looking at several options, and we hope to have things in place by Monday,” the mayor said.

He also said that the more than 260 families affected by the fire in Barangay 27 have received additional assistance from the city government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

On Saturday afternoon, the City Social Services and Development (DSSD), in coordination with the DSWD, distributed kitchen kits and additional hygiene kits to the fire-hit families.

Gasataya, who immediately responded to the incident, personally assessed the situation and assured that the city has begun processing assistance for affected residents through the DSSD.

During his visit to the Apolinario Mabini Elementary School, where the evacuees are temporarily sheltered, Gasataya met with department heads and Barangay 27 officials led by Punong Barangay Freeman Madalag to ensure proper coordination and faster delivery of aid.

The fire, which struck around midnight, affected at least 208 families or 840 individuals in Barangay 27, and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) declared the fire out at 3:11 a.m.

On his part, Bacolod Lone District Rep. Alfredo Benitez personally visited Barangay 27 on Saturday to meet with fire victims and turned over PHP 2.339 million in financial assistance from his personal funds to help them recover and meet immediate needs.

Each affected family received the following cash assistance:
• 217 homeowners – PHP 10,000 each
• 26 renters – PHP 5,000 each
• 13 sharers – PHP 3,000 each

Councilor Caesar Distrito, spokesman for Rep. Benitez, clarified that the assistance came directly from the congressman’s personal resources to ensure immediate help for the victims.

“Congressman Benitez wants our affected families to have something they can use right away—for food, clothes, or whatever their most urgent needs are; this is just the first step,” Atty. Distrito emphasized.

He added that rebuilding lives and homes will take more time, but the congressman will be with them every step of the way.

In addition, Benitez has committed to seek further support from the national government and to provide additional food assistance in the coming days, Distrito said.

Benitez, in an interview with reporters, also highlighted the importance of clarifying the property ownership status in the affected area to facilitate a smooth and orderly rebuilding process.

He stressed that knowing the status of the land is key to determining how best to help families rebuild their homes.

Beyond immediate relief, the lawmaker said his commitment is to ensure that families can rebuild their lives with dignity.

“No Bacolodnon should feel alone after a tragedy like this; I will make sure that every family is given a fair chance to start again,” Benitez said.

Before leaving the area, Benitez also expressed deep gratitude to barangay officials, city personnel, volunteers, and first responders for their quick action and compassion.

“This is a time for all of us to stand together; I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked tirelessly to keep residents safe and assist in the aftermath of the fire; together, we will help these families rise again,” he added.