Tom gives aid to fire victims

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu South District Representative Tomas Osmeña gave out financial assistance to the fire victims of Barangay Duljo-Fatima and Guadalupe yesterday morning.

Rep. Osmeña, in his message to the beneficiaries of both barangays, said that his financial assistance came from the National Government through Congress.

He also said that long before he was elected as congressman, he already had planned a budget for the fire victims from both barangays to assist them in their needs.

Extending help to his constituents is a must and should never be a question, he stressed.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 and his wife, Cebu City Counselor Margot Osmeña, assisted him in handing out checks for each family.

“Hinabang ni alang kaninyo, kahibaw mo nga bisag unsay mahitabo, na-ay mo tabang ninyo,” said Margot. (This is for you, remember that whatever happens we are here to help.)

Margot encouraged the beneficiaries to use their “early Christmas gift” for their families to momentarily escape from the aftermath of the tragedy.

“Pag bantay lang mo aron din a ma-utro ang sunog,” she added. (Be careful so there won’t be another fire.)

Distribution of funds in Barangay Duljo-Fatima was done in their barangay sports complex where 211 fire victims gathered and were given financial assistance amounting to P871, 000.

At the Guadalupe Barangay Hall, meanwhile, 99 fire victims were given financial assistance amounting to P476, 000.

DSWD 7 Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre said that the financial assistance came from the congressman’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

Macapobre also said that P10, 000 was given to families who owned the houses that were affected while P1, 000 went to each family who were renting.

The total amount of assistance given to 310 families in Barangays Duljo-Fatima and Guadalupe was P1, 347,000.

Clarita Gabatar, 63, of Barangay Guadalupe was one of the first beneficiaries to receive the financial assistance personally from Osmeña.

She told The FREEMAN that she was very happy and thankful to receive such assistance from the congressman.

“Nalipay gyud ko-kaayo og dako, nag pasalamat gyud ko nga bisag nasunugan mi, naa gihapon mitabang namo,” she said. (I am very happy that somebody is giving us aid considering what we went through.)

Last All Saints Day, houses were burned in six sitios in Barangay Duljo-Fatima affecting 200 families. The fire in Guadalupe happened last Nov. 18, affecting 15 houses in sitio Riverside.

The Cebu City Government earlier released financial assistance and construction materials the families. (FREEMAN)