DSWD mobilizes emergency relief for Sorsogon fire victims

9 hours ago

2 min read

By Benilda Recebido

SORSOGON CITY --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) field office in the Bicol region has activated rapid disaster response protocols to provide immediate relief following a massive fire that devastated the Sorsogon City Public Market late on Saturday night, October 24.

The catastrophic blaze resulted in significant property damage, completely destroying the livelihoods of local business owners, and claimed the lives of five individuals.

According to an official report from the DSWD field office, a total of 388 vendors were affected by this incident.

In response to their urgent needs, the DSWD field office organized relief operations at the Barangay Sirangan Covered Court, distributing 776 family food packs to the victims. These food packs were taken from the ready stockpiles at the DSWD Sorsogon Provincial Warehouse.

Quick-response teams also provided hygiene kits and non-food items to meet the essential daily needs of families suddenly left without an income.

DSWD social workers visited the grieving families of the five vendors who lost their lives.

The crisis intervention section at the Sorsogon City Satellite Office promptly extended P10,000 in cash assistance to each of the five families under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program to help with their basic needs.

Additionally, the social workers offered psychological first aid to help the families cope with their emotional distress and arranged further funeral and burial assistance.

To prevent prolonged economic displacement, Sorsogon Governor Boboy Hamor ordered the immediate clearing and preparation of a vacant lot along the Sorsogon City Coastal Road.

This site will serve as a temporary marketplace for affected vendors and tenants while structural and safety assessments of the ruined public market are underway,” said Hamor.

For long-term recovery, the DSWD is evaluating micro-retailers for potential capital support through the Sustainable Livelihood Program to assist them in rebuilding their businesses.

A DSWD report stated that localized actions stem from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive for prompt government intervention, ensuring no family is left behind.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian was overseeing field operations to ensure effective response mechanisms.

Further evaluations by social workers are ongoing as authorities assess the exact scope of additional assistance needed. (PIA Bicol/Sorsogon)