Labogon fire victims to get cash aid

CEBU, Philippines — Owners and renters of around 76 houses partially or totally damaged by a fire in Barangay Labogon, Mandaue City, are expected to receive financial assistance from the city government within two weeks.

City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. said in an interview yesterday, October 23, that the city government, under the leadership of Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, is working to facilitate the release of assistance to those affected by the fire.

“Ang gusto sa mayor mahatag dayon ang assistance maybe in two weeks para matabangan na pod sila kung unsa ilang kagamitan anang cash assistance gikan sa city,” Malig-on said.

The city government is set to provide P10,000 to owners and renters of totally destroyed houses and P5,000 to those whose houses were partially damaged.

Malig-on said the city is targeting to release the financial assistance within two weeks to help affected families rebuild their homes and cover their immediate needs.

On October 21, 2026, Ouano visited the fire-hit area and met with affected families at the Barangay Labogon gymnasium, where they were temporarily sheltered.

He was accompanied by city councilors and department heads to assess the situation and oversee the provision of initial assistance.

During the visit, the city government provided food and drinking water to the victims, while emergency tents were set up by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

The City Social Welfare Services Office (CSWSO) also distributed disaster kits containing shirts, shorts, towels, blankets, sleeping mats, toiletries, and other hygiene supplies.

Malig-on said the CSWSO has started profiling the fire victims yesterday to determine the beneficiaries of the financial assistance.

“Ang purpose ana, mao nay basehan para mahatag ang financial assistance sa mayor,” Malig-on said.

Based on records as of October 23, 2026, 106 families were affected by the fire, with 72 houses destroyed and four damaged.

To recall, the fire broke out on October 20, affecting portions of Sitios Centro, Lapyahan, and Sliding Hills in Barangay Labogon. The incident caused an estimated P1.5 million in property damage.

The affected families remain temporarily sheltered at the barangay gymnasium, while the city government, barangay officials and private establishments have coordinated to provide them with food and other necessities.

The City Health Office also provided medical assistance to the victims, including those who sustained injuries during the fire.

Malig-on said the area where the fire occurred is privately owned and is not government property. — /BRP (FREEMAN)