Umapad fire victims call for more help

FIRE victims of last Tuesday’s fire in barangay Umapad, Mandaue City are asking government officials for housing materials so they can start rebuilding their homes.

One of them is Melda Sumalinog, 68, who along with her children and grandchildren, are staying at the evacuation center in the the Pajara Park, under the Marcelo Fernan bridge.

Sumalinog said some family members were already sick because of the stormy weather and exposure to the elments.

She said her 10-month-old granddaughter, was suffering from cough and colds.

Another urgent need is kitchen utensils so that the family can prepare food properly.

She said she suffered from diarrhea because of the abnormal setup.

One son, Dionesio Jr., said the family was grateful for the help given by the DSWD, local politicians, and private individuals but that they really needed basic kitchenware and utensil to prepare their meals.

Umapad barangay officials said that they were still canvassing for housing materials to purchase for the fire victims.

Earlier the Mandaue City Council declared part of Umapad under a state of calamity to facilitate the release of funds.

Home owners would receive P10,000 financial assistance from the city while house renters would be given P5,000 each.

The City Social Welfare Office also earlier identified 151 house owners and 87 house renters affected by the fire. /Correspondent Fe Marie Dumaboc