Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada visited Isla Puting Bato in Tondo Thursday morning to distribute sacks of rice and construction materials to 86 families who lost their homes in a huge fire last Tuesday, proving once again he is always ready to help.
Estrada consoled the fire victims as he personally distributed rice and building items, assuring them the city government will help rebuild their damaged houses and provide whatever they need.
“You must take care so that things would not get worse. You can be assured that the local government of Manila will be here to help you out,” he told Islang Puti residents during a brief ceremony at Bungad Compound.
Estrada also assured the residents he will bring in the city hall doctors to check on them.
Each family received a sack of rice, eight pieces of roofing sheets, five pieces of plywood, 18 pieces of assorted lumber, and nails.
Before leaving, Estrada also met with the parents of Froilan dela Cruz, the 15-year-old boy who was killed in the fire. “I condole with you,” he told the family.
Upon Estrada’s instructions, the Manila Department of Social Welfare has attended to the needs of Dela Cruz’ family, including the boy’s funeral expenses.
Isla Puting Bato is an urban poor community situated in the breakwaters of Pier 2 in Tondo. It is part of Barangay 20, Zone 2, District 1.
A fire caused by a leaking gas tank last Tuesday destroyed around 30 shanties and resulted in the death of Dela Cruz.
Within an hour of the fire, Estrada quickly dispatched the city’s rescue units and social workers of the Manila Department of Social Welfare to the site to look after the needs of the affected residents.
MDSW personnel have been providing free meals, medicines, and other provisions to the homeless residents. An evacuation center was also set up at Delpan Sports Complex.
Last February, Estrada visited Parola Compound, also in Tondo, after another blaze burned down a total of 1,162 houses and left 2,100 families, or 8,555 individuals, homeless.
He also distributed P20 million worth of construction materials and relief goods to the fire victims, and wheelchairs to two paralyzed residents.
Whenever a disaster strikes in Manila, Estrada’s topmost priority is to come to the aid of the affected residents.
Last August, he distributed P3 million worth of construction materials to families in Baseco Compound and Quiapo who were hit by tornado and fire. He also sent 100 city hall workers to assist the residents in the repair works.
In March last year, Estrada also donated P7.3 million worth of construction supplies to families who lost their homes in separate fires in barangays 775 and 770 in Sta. Ana.
When a big fire razed 130 houses in barangays 155 and 160 in Dagupan Extension, Tondo on Jan. 1, 2016, Estrada also helped the victims reconstruct their homes.