₱21 Million Relief Fund Granted to Tondo Fire Survivors
TONDO FIRE VICTIMS – A total of ₱21 million in aid has been provided to Tondo fire victims, offering crucial support for their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Residents displaced by a catastrophic fire in Tondo, Manila, are hopeful of returning home by Christmas, a promise made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a relief distribution event. The President provided ₱21 million in financial assistance and essential supplies to victims of the November 24 blaze, which destroyed the homes of 2,114 families, affecting approximately 6,957 individuals in Isla Puting Bato.
Speaking at the Rosauro Almario Elementary School, Marcos pledged to honor his promise, stating, “I promised one of our companions in the evacuation center: if we fail to bring you home by Christmas, I would come here and have a party, we will be happy and we will have a merry Christmas together.” His visit coincided with the 161st birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, a national hero born in Tondo.
To meet the immediate needs of the affected families, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed ₱10,000 in cash aid and food packs to each family head under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program. Additionally, the Office of the President provided blankets and sleeping mats for the evacuees.
The government’s efforts go beyond material aid, with the Department of Health deploying medical teams to evacuation centers to offer healthcare services and ensure the welfare of displaced residents.
Some victims are currently sheltered at the Delpan evacuation center in Barangay 29, where President Marcos personally met with evacuees before the distribution of aid.
The President’s actions highlight the administration’s dedication to supporting communities in distress and helping families recover swiftly from the disaster. As Christmas nears, the promise of returning home offers hope and optimism to those who have lost everything.
Marcos’ visit and relief efforts reaffirm the government’s commitment to not only providing immediate assistance but also ensuring long-term recovery and stability for Tondo’s fire-affected families.