BASILAN – Congresswoman Shernee Tan, of the Kusug Tausug party-list, has donated 8.5 tons of rice for fire victims in Basilan, one of 5 provinces under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The rice was handed over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development and repacked at 5 kilos per bag and distributed among the victims of the recent fire in Isabela City, according to Jann Akbar, one of the volunteers for the Kusug Tausug, who assisted in the humanitarian outreach of the neophyte lawmaker, who is the sister of Sulu Governor Totoh Tan.
Social workers said some 2000 people were left homeless by the huge fire that hit two areas in Isabela City during the Ramadan. The fire razed some 500 houses in Zone 1 and Zone 2 in Kaum Purnah.
The mayor of Isabela, Cherry Akbar, also ordered social workers to distribute relief goods to fire victims and appealed to the public for cash and food donations. Local radio station, dxNO-Radyo Komunidad, also launched a campaign to seek relief donations from residents to help the homeless now staying in temporary shelters in government schools in Isabela City.
The regional government also distributed relief packs to the fire victims.
Tan also sent rice donations in Zamboanga City after a huge fire also broke out last week in Santa Catalina village and many of the victims are still in temporary shelters. The blaze, which started in Marietta Drive and spread through other areas and razed tens of dozens of houses made of wood.
The blaze reached general alarm and fire fighters from different villages were called to help control the conflagration that lasted about 4 hours. City Fire Marshall Clint Cha said fire engines had difficulties passing through narrow streets and the presence of onlookers aggravated the situation and hampering the government response to the conflagration that virtually consumed the cramped neighborhood there.
Most of those left homeless by the fire are now staying temporarily in government schools where social workers distributed food aid. Civilians also donated food and blankets to the fire victims. Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the conflagration or whether arson was behind the blaze that burned at least 600 houses.
Mayor Beng Climaco ordered local social workers to help feed the victims. (With a report from Ely Dumaboc)
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