City wants pathways in Sawang restored
The Cebu City government wants to restore the pathways in Barangay Sawang Calero, particularly in the area hit by fire Thursday night, to give responders access during emergency situations.
“Pareha sa Barangay Pasil, atong i-restore ang pathways then ato sila ipa-set back. Naay portion nga private lot pero gamay ra kay majority under sa SIR,” said Genevieve Alcoseba, operations head of the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP).
Yesterday morning, a technical team from DWUP assessed the firestricken area. Tonight, the team will speak with residents there about restoring the pathways.
Pasil Barangay Captain Ariel Yburan agrees with DWUP’s plan and suggested that the pathways be widened to up to five meters.
“Well, mapadak-an unta gamay nang dalan… maybe one meter. Ang existing karon kay 4 meters man, end to end,” he said.
The barangay has been placed under a state of calamity following the fire.
The city’s Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS) said the fire displaced at least 600 families and destroyed at least 145 houses.
The survivors are taking shelter at the barangay’s sports center, which also serves as an evacuation center.
The city is expected to give the survivors financial aid of up to P20,000.
Mayor Tomas Osmeña himself will reportedly use his own money to buy tents for the residents.
“Mohatag mi og tent, personal na ni mayor per house isa ra, pwede ra sila mag-tent kung asa sila dapit,” said DSWS Chairperson Lea Japson.
For three days, starting yesterday, DSWS will distribute packed meals to the fire survivors.
Tomorrow, DSWS will distribute relief goods, including three kilos of rice, eight canned goods, and two packs of noodles.
“And then, naay family kit, which naa didto ang mga kabo, basin, pail, basic needs for kitchen para makaluto then naay butane,” Japson said.
FIRE DETAILS
Provincial fire Marshall, Fire Supt. Cesar Patrocinio Jr., said they received the fire at 11:26 p.m. and placed it under control over an hour later at 12:54 a.m.
Investigation traced the fire to the house of Mario Fernandez but further probe is necessary, especially that Fernandez house did not have an electrical connection.
“Ato ipaubos sa imbestigasyon ang hinungdan sa sunog kay wala may linya sa kuryente ang maong panimalay,” Patrocinio said.
No casualty was recorded but damage to property was pegged at P2 million.
He said the 42 children with special needs at the Lamb Center for Missionary of the Poor were also brought to safety.