2 fire-hit Sambag 1 sitios under state of calamity

CEBU, Philippines – Following the recent fire incident that left some 207 families made up of 543 individuals homeless in barangay Sambag 1, the Cebu City government has declared two affected sitios under a state of calamity that will enable them to use the calamity fund for relief operations and rehabilitation efforts.

Councilor Noel Eleuterio Wenceslao, proponent of the resolution declaring sitios Atis and Upper Kawayan under a state of calamity, said that the passed resolution will authorize the use of the calamity funds. But as to the amount, the Department of Social Welfare and Services is still assessing how much will be needed.

Initially though, the Cebu City Crisis Management Office, has recommended the approval of P1.2 million for the purchase of relief materials and other operations such as misting of the evacuation area to prevent possible dengue infection, among others.

The declaration of sitios Atis and Upper Kawayan under a state of calamity is governed by Section 324 of the Local Government Code which empowers the council to initiate such declaration in any area within its territorial jurisdiction in the event of a man-made or natural disaster.

In a separate resolution, the council asked the Metropolitan Cebu Water District to conduct a survey and inspect the condition of the fire hydrants installed in different areas within the city and fix defective ones immediately in order for firemen to effectively respond to fire incidents that may occur.

Wenceslao said that it was observed during the fire in Sambag 1 that one hydrant was not functioning well which added to the delay in controlling the fire.

The MCWD has around 605 hydrants within its franchise area.

Meanwhile, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia assured that the affected households will receive an equal distribution of goods the province promised when she went there yesterday.

The assistance from the province came in the form of rice, canned goods, milk, noodles, vitamins, medicines and school supplies.

"Kung dako-dako ang pamilya daghan-daghan pud ang ihatag, kung dyutay ra igo ra pud ang barangay ra ang muhatag at okay sila may kahibaw kung pila kabuok ang naa in each household," she said.

She also added that the province will also shoulder some housing materials needed by the affected households.

"Since the city provided sin ug lawanit, equal sad ang atong pag-distribute sa semento ug kahoy. Paapasan sad nato ngadto ug moskitiro, habol ug banig kung wala pa ta nakapadala," she added. - Jessica Ann R. Pareja and Ria Mae Y. Booc/BRP (FREEMAN)