PILAR, SORSOGON – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol Region, swiftly responded to the needs of families affected by a devastating fire that broke out in Barangay Banuyo, Pilar, Sorsogon, earlier today, March 13, 2025.

At approximately 12:40 PM, the fire consumed several houses in Purok 1, Barangay Banuyo, displacing around 353 families and reducing 260 homes to ashes.

Most of the houses were constructed with light materials, which contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. The affected families are currently seeking temporary shelter at the Barangay Banuyo Covered Court and Bonifacio Covered Court.

Initial investigations suggest that faulty electrical wiring in one of the homes may have triggered the blaze, which quickly spread to neighboring houses. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause and assess the full extent of the damage.

Following the Directive of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio personally visited the affected area and evacuation sites to assess the condition of the displaced families and ensure the timely distribution of relief assistance.

In response, the Department has provided PHP 4,074,242.82 worth of emergency aid, which includes family food packs and non-food relief items such as hygiene kits, family kits, kitchen kits, sleeping kits, six-liter bottled water, 10-meter tarpaulin sacks, and malong blankets to address the urgent needs of the displaced families.

To ensure efficient aid delivery, DSWD FOV also conducted a comprehensive profiling of the affected families through the Family Access Card for Emergencies and Disasters (FACED) form.

Additionally, the Department’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program has begun assessments to provide further relief and financial assistance to help families recover from the crisis.

Director Laurio assured the displaced residents that DSWD Bicol will continue to provide assistance to meet their immediate needs and offer long-term support throughout their recovery process. He emphasized the Department’s commitment to ensuring no family is left behind during this difficult time.

In addition to the aid provided by DSWD Bicol, Pilar’s Local Chief Executive, Mayor Carolyn C. Sy-Reyes, has extended initial support to the affected families.

DSWD, in close collaboration with the Local Government of Pilar, remains committed to offering immediate and continuous assistance to the fire-stricken families. Together with other regional government units, DSWD Bicol will work diligently to ensure the rapid delivery of essential services and support the affected families in rebuilding their lives.###