Cadiz City Grants PHP100K Aid to Fire Victims

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The city government of Cadiz in Negros Occidental is extending PHP100,000 in financial assistance to each of the 26 families affected by a fire that struck Sitio Talaba-an, Barangay Zone 1, on April 19.

Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., in a radio interview, said the aid aims to help the fire victims rebuild their homes.

Escalante said an initial PHP50,000 will be given to those opting to reconstruct on the same site.

Those who choose to move to the city’s designated relocation area—about 1.5 kilometers from the city proper—will receive an additional PHP50,000.

“I hope they’re willing to transfer,” the mayor said.

Funding for the assistance will be drawn from the city’s quick response fund and other available local resources.

Escalante also said the city is considering providing building materials instead of direct cash aid to ensure the funds are used for home reconstruction.

The fire completely destroyed 16 houses and partially damaged three others, affecting a total of 118 individuals.

The displaced families are currently taking temporary shelter at the Philippine Normal University (PNU)-Cadiz.

A day after the incident, the city government provided PHP5,000 in immediate cash assistance to each affected family to cover urgent needs.

Initial findings by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Cadiz suggest that faulty electrical wiring caused the blaze.

Escalante said he is still awaiting the final report from the BFP.

On Tuesday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-6 distributed disaster relief kits to the affected families.

The kits included hygiene supplies, sleeping and kitchen items, food packs and other essentials.