PILAR, SORSOGON | July 16, 2026 — Without delay, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol Region mobilized its disaster response teams following the fire incident in Purok 5, Barangay Marifosque, Pilar, Sorsogon, delivering more than ₱77,000 worth of Food and Non Food Items (FNFIs) to affected families.
The fire, which damaged five residential houses and one residential boarding house, displaced eight families.
The agency immediately distributed 28 Family Food Packs, Sleeping Kits, Kitchen Kits, Tarpaulin Sheets, and other essential relief items. One partially affected household also received additional assistance consisting of one Kitchen Kit and two Family Food Packs.
Meanwhile, the affected families will be endorsed to the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) for possible financial assistance, while those whose livelihoods were affected will be referred to the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to support their recovery.
One of the beneficiaries shared, “Halos dalawang gabi na po kaming tumutuloy dito sa chapel pansamantala, kaya malaking tulong po itong mga kits para kahit papaano’y magagamit na po namin, pati na rin po ang Family Food Packs kasi kung wala iyon ay hindi po namin alam kung saan kami kukuha ng pagkain.”
Regional Director Norman S. Laurio emphasized that DSWD Bicol continues to immediately reach affected communities and provide the assistance they need as they begin to recover.
This continuing response reflects the commitment of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian to strengthen the agency’s rapid disaster response systems and ensure that relief assistance and social protection services are delivered swiftly to families in need.