Labangon fire-stricken sitio up for re-blocking

CEBU, Philippines - After last Sunday’s experience wherein fire trucks have a hard time penetrating because of narrow roads, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has ordered the re-blocking of the fire-stricken Sitio Bugnay in Barangay Labangon.

The Mayor wants the road, which is only about four meters wide, to be widened up to the standard width of six meters and more.

Last Sunday’s fire, which totally destroyed 25 houses and partially damaged two, however was contained in less than 20 minutes despite the narrow roads and the influx of curious residents in the same neighborhood.

The victims are temporarily housed at the nearby chapel and the tents put up around the area.

The Department of Social Welfare and Services is providing them packed meals until tonight. Tomorrow, DSWS will give out relief materials such as rice, canned goods, utensils, mosquito nets and mats among others.

Rama also ordered the DSWS to speed up the release of housing materials so the residents will be able to rebuild their houses in no time.

The city provides P5,000 worth of housing materials to victims of fire. Under normal process, the city releases the materials within a month.

Labangon Captain Victor Buendia said that the victims are taken care of as they are receiving their meals on-time. Rama will also provide 100 folding beds with cushion.

Mylene Sabilla, 34, a mother of six said the city government and the barangay officials are treating them well.

Her only request to the city government is the immediate release of the housing materials so her family can go back to their lot.

She said that staying at the chapel with the others is uncomfortable especially during the night. She also fears that her children will get sick due to the cold weather.

The barangay council of Labangon met yesterday for a special session and declared the area under state of calamity.

Buendia said they have to declare the area under state of calamity so the barangay can use their calamity fund. Labangon has about P690,000 funds for calamities and disasters.  (FREEMAN)