In an interview with Super Radyo DYSS, Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan said that he is urging the city council to convene today, December 13, 2023, to declare the state of calamity.
The said move will help the city to easily access its quick response or emergency fund to help fire victims.
“Because the number of households affected in Sta. Maria and Sitio Seaside, sufficient siya to declare a state of calamity,” Chan said.
Chan could not contain his emotion, especially since Christmas was drawing near.
Currently, fire victims are staying below the Marcelo Fernan Bridge where tents were installed by the city as their temporary shelter.
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In the latest count of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), they listed 1,354 families affected by the fire incident.
Chan also expressed his plans to implement reblocking at the site once fire victims were already permitted to rebuild their houses.
“We will not allow anymore nga magtukod ta sa kabaybayonan. Number 2, kinahanglan ang nagpuyo tagbalay, kinahanglan nga dili siya paabangan,” he added.
Earlier, Chan announced that the city would suspend its Christmas party this year, wherein the fund for the said activity would be donated to the fire victims.
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