Fire hit: Ermita sitio declared calamity area

The City Council yesterday declared sitio Bato in barangay Ermita under the state of calamity following the Tuesday dawn fire that destroyed about 300 houses.

The declaration of the state of calamity is aimed at speeding up the release of any assistance to the fire victims that would be taken from the city’s calamity fund.

Councilor Gerardo Carillo explained that the declaration is necessary for the release of the calamity funds to augment the relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Reports said about 1,700 individuals comprising 447 families were rendered homeless by the fire, and they are now depending on the assistance from the city government.

Firemen encountered difficulties in putting out the fire because the residents just placed their belongings on the road, blocking the fire trucks from getting closer to the fire.

Carillo said the city would provide construction materials to the fire victims, who are now temporarily staying at the Ermita Sports Complex. — Rene U. Borromeo/LPM