Under the directives of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista, the DSWD is currently monitoring the situation of hundreds of displaced families affected by separate fire incidents that broke out in several areas across the country over the long weekend.

Based on the reports received by the DSWD Disaster Response and Management Bureau (DRMB), separate fire incidents broke out in the areas of Sta. Mesa, Quiapo, and Pandacan, Manila; and, in South Daang Hari in Taguig City. The causes of the fire incidents are still being investigated by authorities.

Meanwhile, there were also reports received on separate fires in Brgy. Canlapwas, Catbalogan City in Samar;  Brgy. Sto. Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte; and, Brgy. 76-A, Bucana in Davao City.

“The Department has already provided augmentation assistance to Manila City Social Welfare and Development Office due to the high number of affected families that were displaced and now we are in constant communication with all the concerned local government units in other areas for technical assistance or resource augmentation,” Secretary Bautista said.

Concerned provincial and local government units have already extended initial assistance to the affected families such as relief goods and provision of hot meals.

The Secretary also assured that DSWD FOs in the National Capital Region (NCR), VIII, and XI are ready to dispatch food and non-food items to DSWD warehouses, if necessary. ###