DAVAO CITY – At least 2,000 families affected by a recent huge fire incident here received immediate assistance from the Office of First Congressional District Representative Paolo Duterte.

Each family — currently sheltered at Barangay 21-C Gymnasium in Piapi Boulevard — received heavy snacks and dinner from the lawmaker’s office on Saturday afternoon.

The lawmaker’s staff also distributed emergency food packs on 26 February in the same place while assessing the situation of the fire victims and will also provide hot meals for the victim for five days.

Three barangays — 21-C, 22-C, and 23-C – have been affected by the huge fire incident on Saturday afternoon. At least four families were affected in Barangay 23-C, while several families were affected in two other barangays mentioned above.

“Sadly, our house is among those who caught in fire. I wasn’t able to save our belongings, especially identification cards, books and everything needed in school, as my priority during the incident is my siblings,” Junie Alivio, a college student, said in his Facebook page.

Alivio is asking for anyone’s generosity that could help him, his siblings, and fellow students affected by the fire incident, especially since the examination period is fast approaching.

Duterte’s office has been providing immediate assistance and food packs to the district’s constituents and other residents in the city affected by man-made and natural calamities.

The Davao City Fire District noted that at least 1,200 houses were destroyed by a fire that hit a coastal area in Barangay 21-C Piapi Boulevard on Saturday at around 1 p.m.

Davao City Fire District spokesperson Senior Fire Officer 4 Ramil Gillado said that the houses destroyed were mostly made of light materials, with damage estimated at around P9 million. There was no reported injury or death from the incident.