VM Baste assures Bankerohan fire victims of government help

Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste ” Duterte has assured the families who were displaced by the fire incident that hit Bankerohan recently, of the city government’s help.

VM Baste, who is currently the acting mayor of the city, said this during his visit this week to the families staying at the gymnasium in Purok 2, Bryco, Barangay 5-A.

VM Baste said the city government of Davao will continue to help the displaced families to recover from the unfortunate incident. There were 350 families and 28 individuals who were affected by the incident.

The city government through the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) already extended aid to the displaced families amounting to P2,329,000. Since January 15, the local government has continued giving food and non-food assistance to the displaced families.

Also, each of the owners of totally damaged houses was given P10,000 and P5,000 for those owners of partially damaged houses. Renters received P5,000 each; P3,000 for each sharer; and, P2,000 for each boarder.

One of the displaced families, Valeriana Sulliano, said the cash assistance helped her family cope with immediate needs.

“Makapalit mi’g mga kinahanglanon sa balay ug kanang mga kahoy, number one, makabayad sad mi sa among gipapanday (We can buy our needs for the home including wood for construction. We can also pay for the carpenter),” she said.

VM Baste said the city government will help the residents reconstruct their homes, but needs the cooperation of the families.

“Ang importante nga plastaron gyud nato ug sakto ang inyong mga panimalay, maghimo ta. Kay sunod ug naay mga sunog pareho anang mga ubang mga agi-anan dili masudlan ug mga bombero, lisod gyud kaayo. So, akong hangyo lang sa inyoha, once magsugod na ta ug balik didto, mu-coordinate gyud ta sa atong barangay para plastar ta tanan ba (We will help reconstruct your houses, but let us be organized because it is difficult to respond to an incident if there is no road access. So, I am asking you to coordinate with your barangay officials before rebuilding your houses, so that everything will be in order),” he asked families during his visit.

Barangay 5-A Chieftain Edgar Ibuyan Jr. said the place will be constructed with hollow blocks for better alignment, receiving a positive response from the families. CIO