A total of 293 families who were victims of a series of fires in different areas in Manila were granted financial assistance by the local government this Thursday.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna himself led the distribution of P10,000 financial assistance each to the beneficiaries, along with Manila department of social welfare chief Re Fugoso and Vice Mayor Yul Servo.
In his message, Lacuna expressed great sadness over the fires that have occurred in the city this past month, which left many residents homeless.
Based on the record provided by Fugoso, it was learned that those who received cash aid from the local government were all victims of the eight fires that hit the city on January 12, 14, 15, 16, 21, 23, 24 and 30.
It is known that there was a fire in almost all districts of the city, except for District 4.
The mayor said that no one should be blamed for the fire but said he hopes it will serve as a lesson for everyone.
It is said that the mayor also prayed that the victims recover immediately from the tragedy they faced.
The mayor also assured the fire victims that the Manila government is with them and is ready to provide assistance in their recovery.
“Nandito ang inyong pamahalaan para kahit paano, matulungan kayo na umangat uli at bumangon. Hindi kalakihang tulong ang aming maibibigay pero alam namin na bawat isang batang Maynila ay matatag, kayang-kayang bumangon ulit kahit anong trahedya ang dumating sa buhay,” ayon pa kay Lacuna.
Dagdag pa niya, “Lagi kaming nakahandang umagapay sa inyo. Pagdamutan sana ninyo ang munting nakayanan ng pamahalaang-lokal at sa darating na mga araw, sana ay makatulong kami na makabangon kayo nang lubusan.”
Samantala, nagpaabot rin naman ng pakikiramay si Lacuna sa mga pamilya ng mga residenteng sinawimpalad na bawian ng buhay dahil sa sunog.
Aniya, hindi dapat na mawalan ng pag-asa ang mga ito at hinikayat na magsimulang muli ng bagong buhay. (JERRY S. TAN)
