In Lapu-lapu City: Fire victims get financial assistance

‎CEBU, Philippines — Families whose homes were destroyed in a fire in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City have received up to P30,000 each in emergency shelter assistance from the city government.

‎The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) distributed the financial aid to affected families on August 27, 2026 at the Barangay Basak Gymnasium following the August 10 fire in Sitio Upper Kagudoy.

‎Fifteen homeowners received P30,000 each, while three families who were identified as sharers received P8,000 each.

‎Six renters, meanwhile, were given P5,000 each to help cover their immediate needs following the fire.

‎The assistance amounted to P516,000 in total based on the distribution figures provided by the city government.

‎CSWDO head Ma. Sheila Baylosis said the financial assistance was intended to help the affected families meet their immediate needs as they recover from the fire.

‎The amount of assistance varied depending on the beneficiaries’ housing status, with homeowners receiving the highest amount.

‎Aside from the cash assistance, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), together with the Barangay Basak Council, provided food packs and non-food items to the displaced families.

‎The affected residents were also provided temporary shelter following the fire while efforts were made to address their basic needs.

‎Barangay Basak Captain Jasmine Marie "Daday" Chan-Olmstead led the distribution of the financial assistance.

‎The August 10 fire destroyed the homes of the affected families in Upper Kagudoy, prompting the barangay and city response teams to establish temporary evacuation areas.

‎The emergency shelter assistance was provided following an assessment of the affected households to determine the appropriate financial support for each family. — (FREEMAN)