Bo. Luz folk allowed to rebuild

Light construction materials will be given to victims of Friday’s fire in barangay Luz so they can rebuild, said Philip Zafra, chief of staff of the Cebu city mayor.

The Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) will check which families are qualified for the socialized housing program for possible relocation.

Property damage was estimated at P51,621,000 by the Department of Social Welfare and Services.

Three days of emergency meals were served to fire victims, who are mostly staying in the Barrio Luz Elementary School.

Rian Tante barangay captain of Barrio Luz said they hope to finish relocating the fire victims before school opens on June 3.

“We are working as fast as we can to allow residents to reenter the area,” he said.

“The mayor has requested all department heads to coordinate with the barangay officials for the needs of the fire victims,” said Zafra.

Some residents chose to stay near in the premises of their partly damaged homes or with relatives.

City Hall also provided tents.

Social workers will conduct counseling and stress-debriefing especially for children, said Minda del Monte, DSWS Social Welfare Officer III. residents,” said Zafra.

City Hall volunteers have been conducting daily clean up every morning and afternoon.

But Sonny Bautista, 56 from sitio City Central said they have a problem with the portable toilets which have become “unclean and smelly.”

However they were satisfied with the city’s assistance of food and water.

According to Cebu City Fire Marshal, Aderson Comar that they are still investigating on the causes of the fire and where it started.

Cebu north district Rep. Rachel “Cutie” Del Mar went to the site last Saturday and distributed assistance composed of P1,000 and two blue t-shirts with a seal of House of Representatives to affected residents. /Tweeny M. Malinao, Correspondent