President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday assured families affected by the massive fire in Happyland, Barangay 105, Tondo, Manila, that the government will provide continuous support until their lives return to normal.
During his visit, President Marcos personally oversaw the distribution of relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at two temporary shelters in Tondo, including Gen. Vicente Lim Elementary School and Antonio Villegas Vocational High School.
“Kahit na ganito ang nangyari, asahan po ninyo ang gobyerno ninyo ay nandito, binabantayan kayo, inaalalayan kayo, at titiyakin namin na maaalagaan namin kayo sa lahat ng inyong pangangailangan,” Marcos told evacuees, assuring them of sustained government aid. He added, “Kaunting tiyaga lang po, gagawin po namin ang lahat para makabalik na kayo sa normal na ninyong buhay.”
The President said that upon learning of the blaze last Saturday night (September 13), he immediately directed DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian to deliver relief goods and cash assistance to the affected families. Medical teams composed of doctors and nurses will also be deployed to prevent possible disease outbreaks in the crowded evacuation centers.
Once residents are cleared to return, the government will explore options for housing rehabilitation and reconstruction to help survivors rebuild their homes. “Pagka puwede na kayong bumalik sa inyong mga tahanan ay titingnan po natin kung papaano makatulong ‘yung pamahalaan para sa pagpatayo ulit ng bahay o pag rehabilitasyon ng bahay,” Marcos said.
The DSWD distributed 2,235 family food packs, 2,235 hygiene kits, and 2,235 sleeping kits, along with 2,000 hot meals prepared through its mobile kitchen. Beneficiaries also received P15,109 each in cash aid under the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program, covering a 29-day period.
Other displaced families are temporarily housed at the Barangay 105 covered court as authorities continue to assess the situation.
The fire, which broke out late Saturday night, rapidly engulfed the densely populated Happyland area, displacing hundreds of families and prompting an urgent government response.
With reports from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
