CSWDO urges public to donate useful items to fire victims

The City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) on Friday urged Dabawenyos to identify the needs of fire victims and to donate clothes that they can use.

CSWDO Head Julie P. Dayaday, in an interview with Davao City Disaster Radio on Friday, said that as the donation drive for the victims of the Leon Garcia fire incident kicks off at Rizal Park, good choice of donated items that uplift the dignity of the fire victims are more preferred.

“Tagaan nato og dignidad ang atong kaigsoonan..ang sa used clothing kanang magamit gyud kay dili nila kinanglan og trapo didto (We should give dignity to the victims.. for used clothing what they need are those that can still be used, they do not need rags there),” she said.

“Ayaw lang nang mga gown, mga t-shirt nga lago na kaayo (Gowns are also discouraged, also t-shirts that are old, worn-out or dirty),” Dayaday said.

Dayaday said that on top of the clothing, other items are preferred to be donated.

“Ang need nila karon brand new slippers, brand-new underwear, sanitary napkins, diaper for children. (What they need are brand new slippers, brand new underwear, sanitary napkins, diapers for the children),” Dayaday said, adding that blankets and pillows are also preferred.

She also encouraged the public to go to the drop-off point at Rizal Park instead of going to the evacuation site.

“Sa drop off points sa Rizal Park, didto nato ihatod ang ilahang donation, dili idiretso sa evacuation kay kung dili enough mag-cause siya og commotion (The donation should be delivered at the drop-off points at Rizal Park, not directly to the evacuation center because if the donation is not enough it may cause a commotion),” Dayaday said.

Dayaday said that they recorded a total of 436 affected families or 687 individuals for puroks San Vicente, San Roque, Sto. Niño in Barangay Leon Garcia.

She said that the displaced individuals are currently staying at Manuel Garcia Elementary School and their office has initially provided hygiene kits, food packs, and basic kitchen kits.

Dayaday said that national government agencies and partner stakeholders have also sent assistance to the fire victims.

The mobile kitchen, according to Dayaday, will only provide hot meals until the evening of December 29 as the evacuees shall start their community cooking on the 30th of December. CIO