NISU rallies to aid students displaced by Sara fire

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Victims of the April 28 fire in Sara, Iloilo, including 26 students from the Northern Iloilo State University (NISU)-Sara Campus, received relief goods and cash assistance during a distribution activity at the NISU-VSC Hostel.

The assistance was facilitated through the joint efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, NISU, and the office of Iloilo 5th District Rep. Binky April Tupas.

The fire killed one person, destroyed five houses, and partially damaged two others.

Beyond affected families, student boarders from NISU-Sara Campus were displaced after losing personal belongings and school materials in the blaze.

Each family whose house was destroyed received PHP 20,000 in financial assistance, while owners of partially damaged houses received PHP 10,000.

The displaced student boarders received PHP 5,000 each, along with food packs to help address their immediate needs following the incident.

In remarks delivered at the relief activity, NISU President Dr. Raffy B. Chavez encouraged victims to remain hopeful as they recover from the tragedy and thanked those who responded during the fire, particularly students who helped contain the incident.

Rep. Tupas also urged victims to remain resilient despite the losses caused by the fire.

Additional relief goods and essential supplies were mobilized by other NISU campuses and local donors to support displaced students.

The donations were facilitated by the university’s Office of Student Affairs and Services, led by OSAS Director Dr. Renette Valderrama and Campus Administrator Dr. Joey S. De la Cruz.

Student organizations and volunteers also assisted in repacking, transporting, and distributing donations, reflecting what university officials described as a strong spirit of solidarity and compassion within the NISU community.