MAKATI City officials have joined the city government of Manila in extending help to more than 10,000 families affected by two fires that gutted the densely populated Parola Compound in Tondo, Manila, early this week.
Aside from donating some 5,000 relief packs, the city government of Makati also provided free medical services, medicines and safe drinking water to the affected families.
Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, who met Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada at the compound, led the distribution of relief.
“We feel for the families who have lost their homes and possessions. Right now, they need all the help they can get to cope with their difficult situation, including food, safe drinking water and medical services,” Binay said.
Social Welfare prepared 5,000 relief packs, each containing rice, canned goods and noodles, and 15,000 pairs of slippers for the victims.
The Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office brought a portable water filtration system installed on a trailer, which processed the water supplied by a fire truck of the Makati Fire Department.
Binay ordered his men to mobilize a team to conduct a medical mission in the area to help address the health concerns of the residents through free outpatient services and medicines.
The medical team, composed of 22 doctors and 13 nurses from Ospital ng Makati and the Makati Health Department, brought medicines and medical supplies for treating cough, colds and fever, antibiotics, anti-hypertension drugs, burn ointments, antiseptic and bandages, among others. An ambulance was also deployed with the medical team.
The relief and medical teams from Makati were accompanied by uniformed personnel from the city Public Safety Department and the Makati Police Department in their patrol cars.
A number of residents believed that the two fires that happened last Monday and Tuesday were intentionally set.
The city government of Manila assured the victims that it would also provide them needed materials to rebuild their homes, aside from food and other assistance.
Metro Manila fire bureau officials said a total of 615 fire incidents happened in Metro Manila from January to February, killing 18 people and injuring 46 others. They added most of the fires happened mostly due to fault electrical lines, unattended gas lamps and cooking stoves and overheating appliances.