500 fire victims treated on New Year’s Eve

DAVAO CITY — At least 500 fire victims, following three separate fire incidents here, had a pleasant New Year's Eve as Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte, through the Pulong Pulong ni Pulong (PPP) program, treated them with special meals on Saturday.

The PPP team prepared 20 roasted pigs and other viands with cooked rice and ice cream for dessert for the fire victims on New Year's Eve.

Before the dinner treat, the PPP staff distributed food packs and cash assistance to the fire victims.

The team also distributed new clothes.

Ma. Eliza Paylado, 56, a resident of Leon Garcia, could not help but express her profound gratitude to the lawmaker, as she did not expect to have such a lovely New Year's Eve celebration after what happened.

She narrated that she was with her grandchild when the fire spread quickly.

"I am more than grateful that nobody got hurt in my family – my wife and my three children. We lost things, but what matters most is that we are together to celebrate this wonderful treat from Congressman Pulong for New Year's Eve," Breliangean Bayocboc, one of the victims said.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection in Davao Region (BFP-Davao), at least 300 houses were gutted by fire on 27 December, leaving around 800 individuals homeless.

The cause of the incident was due to an electrical eruption from an overheated appliance.

Leon Garcia chieftain Lita Empis thanked Rep. Duterte for the support and the delicious meal for the fire victims' New Year's Eve celebration.

She said seeing them welcoming the New Year with hopeful anticipation is heartwarming.

Also, Rep. Duterte's team then went to San Francisco De Asis Village in Barangay 74-A Matina Crossing, distributing immediate assistance to over 100 fire victims.

The fire razed 17 houses in the village on 31 December.

The staff distributed hot porridge and new clothes to them and they will also receive cash aid this week.

The PPP staff also provided seven roasted pigs and other viands (chicken barbecue, roasted fish, and bihon or rice vermicelli) with cooked rice and ice cream for dessert for New Year's Eve for the fire victims in the said area.

The lawmaker also immediately assisted the fire victims at Purok 33, Ramon Magsaysay, Calinan, on January 1.

The fire razed three houses and a commercial building at around 1:30 a.m., affecting around seven families. The latter will receive cash aid today, January 2.

Duterte wished everyone safe and sound health and expressed his regret towards the victims because he could not join them in the New Year's Eve celebration.

He said he intended to go with his staff and personally see them but had a prior commitment with his family.

(Photos courtesy of Rep. Paolo Duterte's office)