Families wait for more help after blaze
A MOTHER cried for help after her six-month-old baby’s head swelled due to lack of ventilation in the evacuation area after a fire struck Barangay San Roque, Cebu City last Aug. 8.
Sophia Benitez, 30, told Sun.Star Cebu that they were well-provided in their needs in the evacuation center at the barangay’s sports complex and in a nearby building owned by a private individual.
However, they need medical assistance for her six-month-old baby.
The baby was already examined by a doctor and was referred to the Cebu City Medical Center, which advised that the baby be submitted for operation.
With no money, they could not send the baby for operation, and they are just waiting for the swelling to rupture.
They are hoping for help so they can bring the baby back to the hospital for surgery.
“Alimuot kaayo. Di gyud mi katog tarong. Suga ra baya naa. Magsige ra ko’g paypay
sa akong mga anak samtang natog sila (The place is really so hot. We cannot sleep well. We only have light. I use paper fan to ventilate my daughters while they sleep),” said Angel Sipe,40, also a fire survivor.
School supplies
Benitez, a mother of five, added that aside from the medical assistance, they also need school supplies as they have saved nothing from the fire.
Barangay Chief Lidiore “Boy” Miranda told Sun.Star
Cebu that aid of P10,000 was also given to each family.
Tenants
The cash assistance was given not only to the house owners, but also to tenants with a signed memorandum of understanding that they should leave the evacuation center after receiving the financial aid.
However, victims still stayed in the temporary evacuation center.
The victims who are taking shelter in the old building near the sports complex were given until Aug. 31 to stay as it is a private property.
Miranda is still waiting for the City Administrator’s decision as to where the fire victims will be transferred after Aug. 31.