WHERE TO NOW, LITTLE BOY? A young fire victim surveys what was left of his neighborhood after a dawn fire razed Sitio Kawayanan, Barangay Lagtang in Talisay City on February 12, 2021. The blaze displaced 40 families or roughly 200 individuals. A state of calamity has since been declared over the affected sitio. CDN Digital photo | Pegeen Maisie Sararana
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Barangay Lagtang in Talisay City has declared a state of calamity over Sitio Kawayan after a dawn fire hit the area at 1:36 a.m., on Friday, February 12, 2021.
Lagtang barangay captain Chester Salcedo and the barangay council decided this morning to declare the area under a state of calamity to expedite the release of financial and other forms of assistance to the 40 families, around 200 individuals, affected by the blaze.
The barangay council through its S7K officials is also conducting a donation drive for those who would like to send used clothing or goods for the fire victims.
“Nagbutang mi dayon og tent, mahulog as hinabang center, para sa program sa donation drive. I asked the SK council to take charge sa donations.” Salcedo said.
(We immediately erected a tent where donations can be received. I already asked the SK council to take charge of the donations.)
Salcedo also coordinated with the city to shoulder the food assistance for the victims who are now housed at the Barangay Lagtang gymnasium. Some are also staying with their relatives.
” We prepared breakfast for them and I coordinated with the city for the succeeding meals sugod karong udto and the succeeding days,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas apologized to the fire victims because he said he can’t be with them in these difficult times as he is currently under quarantine after contracting COVID-19.
“Sa atong mga igsoon nga nasunogan tawn sa Sitio Kawayanan sa Lagtang, akong dakong pasaylo na dili ko maka anha kuyog ninyo karon. Sugod na mayor ko, I make it a point to visit places nasunogan to assure our constituents the government is on top of things. I know I leave you in good hands with VM Alan and Mam Bebeth Solana.” Gullas relayed.
Salcedo also disclosed that the barangay has enough funds to cater to the needs of the victims but they are still accepting any help from those who wish to.
“Kaya raman hangtod sa kung unsay kinahanglan nila. “ Salcedo assured his constituents.
On the other hand, Chief Inspector Arnel Abella of the Talisay City Fire Station said that fire damage was estimated at P2.2 million. The fire was reported at 1:36 a.m. and was raised to 2nd alarm at 1:45, and to 3rd alarm at 1:55 a.m. It was put under control at 2:15 in the morning and was declared fire out at 3:17 a.m., Abella said.
Fire engines from Cebu City, Minglanilla, and Naga, together with the fire volunteers from Tabunoc, Capitol Site, Kinasang-an and Cogon assisted the Talisay City fire responders in putting out the blaze.
Abella said they still could not determine the cause of the fire which reportedly started in the house of one Rene Bautista. The owner was said to be vacationing in the province when the incident happened.
“Sa origin, kung asa nag start ang sunog, sa balay sa isa ka certain nga Rene Bautista but ang cause sa sunog is under investigation pa siya.” Abella added.
Abella said they had a hard time penetrating the fire scene because the sitio is densely populated.
So far, there were no reported casualties nor injured individuals from the fire.
Abella reminded the public to be careful always. As Fire Prevention Month approaches this March, he assured Talisaynons that his agency is always prepared.
“Ginaenhance nato ang atong fire prevention campaign, naa tay Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan, everyday mugawas atong firetrucks, moconduct og roving and maghatag og fire safety tips.” he added.
He also reminded everyone to immediately go out of a burning edifice to avoid suffocation unless the flame is still controllable with the use of a fire extinguisher or water. /rcg