Sipocot, Camarines Sur – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol Region swiftly responded to assist vendors affected by a devastating fire at the Sipocot Public Market in Camarines Sur.
On the afternoon of February 24, 2025, a fire broke out in Building 3 of the market, quickly spreading and reaching the fifth alarm. The blaze caused severe damage to numerous business establishments.
In response, DSWD Bicol, led by Regional Director Norman S. Laurio, dispatched the “Angels in Red Vests” on February 25, 2025, to provide essential aid to the affected vendors.
Through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program, 37 fire-affected vendors each received Php 10,000, totaling Php 370,000 in financial support. Additionally, the Department distributed Php 26,862 worth of family food packs to the affected families.
Ms. Marian T. Monsalve, SWAD Team Leader of Camarines Sur providing Psychosocial Intervention to the fire-affected vendors.
The families were also assessed for potential support under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to address their long-term livelihood needs, following the loss of their businesses.
This assistance aims to alleviate the immediate financial burden on the families and help them meet their daily needs. The DSWD Angels in Red Vests also provided psychosocial support to help the vendors cope with the emotional distress caused by the fire.
In an interview, Ms. Jennifer Revilla, 36, one of the affected vendors, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the support.
“Maraming salamat po sa DSWD. Ito pong ibinigay nyo ay malaking tulong sa amin, lalo na po ang financial assistance, kahit papaano po ay may magagamit kami upang makapagsimula ulit,” she said.
This intervention highlights DSWD’s ongoing commitment, in line with the directives of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, to provide effective and efficient services, especially to those whose livelihoods are threatened by natural disasters, accidents, or unforeseen events.##