Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian personally extended a total of PhP 160,000 financial assistance to some 32 families from Libis St., Barangay Canumay East after a massive fire razed through their homes last Saturday (February 25) night.

Each family who totally lost their houses received an amount of PhP 5,000 cash relief disbursed through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) in order to help them with their needs to recover from the incident.

City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) Officer-in-Charge and Special Projects Office (SPO) Head, Ms. Dorothy Evangelista, who has been at the forefront of caring for the victims joined the mayor at Canumay East Covered Court where most of the families are staying.

“Mayor WIN has been looking after the needs of the victims through the CSWDO and the SPO from the moment the fire broke out.  Tents, blankets, clothes, potable water and food have been provided. A community kitchen was set up at the evacuation center to provide food for the evacuees,” she said.

First District Representative, Cong. Rex Gatchalian has earlier provided financial aid of PhP 3,000 to each family.

Libis St. Phase II Homeowners Association President, Mr. Edward Celorico recounted how the fire which started from a gas lamp at around 10:00 PM last Saturday almost quickly engulfed their neighborhood, destroying their humble belongings, including the children’s school uniforms and books. “But we are thankful that none was hurt,” he said in Filipino.

The covered court shall become the temporary shelter of the victims until they have rebuilt their homes, but in the mean time Mayor WIN promises to help look after the basic needs of the victims.