(Disaster Response Information Management Section (DRIMS) Head PDO III Claire Christine Lobete facilitating the distribution of the relief assistance to affected families.)

Naga City, Camarines Sur – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 5 through its Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) and Provincial Social Welfare and Development (SWAD), promptly provided food and essential non-food relief items on February 26, 2024, to 10 families affected by the fire in Barangay Sabang, Naga City, Camarines Sur.

On February 25, 2024, around 10:00 PM, a fire broke out in a residential area in Zone 3, Barangay Sabang, Naga City. According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), most of the houses affected were made of light materials, leading to the rapid spread of the fire, which reached the 3rd alarm and was declared out by around 11 PM.

Nine houses were affected by the fire, five of which were totally burned down while four were partially damaged. 10 families consists of 58 persons were displaced and 5 of them are temporarily staying at the Educare Center of the barangay.

The BFP is still conducting clearing and in-depth investigations into its cause. According to the initial report, the estimated total damage cost of the incident is around PHP 1,920,000.00.

Under the directive of DSWD FO V Regional Director Norman Laurio, the Naga City SWAD Action Team and DRMD Team, led by Division Chief Claudio Villareal Jr., immediately coordinated with the Local Government Unit, and conducted assessments for the immediate provision of assistance.

The Naga City SWAD Action Team and Disaster Response Information Management Section (DRIMS) Head PDO III Claire Christine Lobete led the distribution of the relief assistance.

Each family received two (2) family food packs (FFPs) and a set of essential non-food relief items such as a hygiene kit, kitchen kit, sleeping kit, and a family kit amounting to PHP 85,750.00.

The City Government of Naga also provided initial relief assistance, including various grocery items and clothing to the affected families.

These affected families will also be receiving financial aid through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department.###