DSWD FO VIII, under the leadership of Regional director Restituto Macuto, recently distributed relief goods to the survivors of the Catbalogan fire incident.

On May 8, a fire broke out at Pier 1, Barangay 6, Catbalogan City, Samar. Based on reports received by the DSWD Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC), the fire resulted in 248 totally damaged houses and 16 partially damaged houses. The fire also displaced a total of 326 families (1,630 individuals). Among these, 75 families (402 individuals) stayed inside evacuation centers, while the remaining 251 families (1,228 individuals) stayed with their friends and relatives outside the evacuation centers. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. This information is currently undergoing validation to ensure accuracy.

DSWD promptly dispatched trucks carrying relief items to Catbalogan on May 9. These trucks carried 600 family food packs, 324 bottled water, 300 blankets, 300 mats, 608 assorted clothing, 300 kitchen sets, and 300 tarpaulins. Later, DSWD delivered an additional 300 family food packs, 300 collapsible water containers, 900 toothbrushes, 600 toothpaste, 300 bath soaps, and 300 mosquito nets.  In totality, DSWD has sent P4,400,859.00 worth of aid.

Various agencies have also pitched in to provide aid. The local government unit of Catbalogan, under the leadership of Mayor Uy, has provided P199,540.00 worth of assistance. This includes bottled water, bread, food packs, packed breakfast and lunch. The Department of Health, meanwhile, donated aid worth P152,944.00. The private sector also donated used clothing and food for the evacuees.

Also, Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go provided financial assistance to the evacuees. Each family was given P2,000.00 to help rebuild their homes.

Currently, the LGU of Catbalogan is coordinating with partner agencies to discuss plans for the rehabilitation of the evacuees.