The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office V – Bicol Region has swiftly extended relief assistance to families and individuals affected by a fire incident that occurred along Rosero Street, Barangay Centro, City of Masbate on April 15, 2025.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Masbate, the fire broke out at around 9:30 PM on April 14. Based on the initial report, the blaze affected and completely destroyed three residential houses, two boarding houses, and two commercial establishments. A total of five families composed of 28 individuals, along with 36 student boarders, were displaced by the incident.

Following the directive of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, DSWD Bicol, under the leadership of Regional Director Norman Laurio, immediately mobilized its Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD), in coordination with the Masbate Quick Response Team (QRT), to provide essential relief aid to the affected residents.

The distributed relief items included family food packs and various non-food items such as hygiene kits, family kits, sleeping kits, kitchen kits, and 10-meter laminated sacks, amounting to over PHP 300,000.00.

As of writing, authorities are still conducting clearing operations and further investigations to determine the cause of the fire and assess the full extent of the damage.

Moreover, the affected individuals have been assessed for their additional needs and will receive financial aid through the Department’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

The Field Office is also coordinating with the Local Government of Masbate and other national government agencies to ensure that other necessary support will be extended to the affected families and individuals.###