BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
Jeann Zoniga couldn’t hold back her tears as she recounted the fire that destroyed their home in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, in December.
Her family was among the 34 households left homeless.
According to the victims, the fire started in Ricardo Garcia’s house when his two grandchildren played with matches.
Ricardo Garcia, Fire Victim, narrated, “There might’ve been matches lying around. The kids played with them, and the fire grew stronger. Thankfully, the two children got out in time.”
Most residents barely salvaged anything.
For Shinetell, only some soap and shampoo from the bathroom were left.
“Only what was in the bathroom was saved,” said Shinetell De Jesus, Fire Victim.
The provincial government, led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, and the First Spouses League of Pangasinan, headed by First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, immediately provided aid.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office also extended assistance.
Maan Tuazon-Guico, Chairperson of the First Spouses League of Pangasinan, stated, “Once the papers are processed, we’ll provide additional financial assistance.”
Each family received 10,000 pesos in financial aid, 50 kilos of rice, groceries, blankets, mats, hygiene kits, and a pasta package.
The barangay also provided 3,000 pesos, 25 kilos of rice, school supplies, and bread.
The fire victims expressed their gratitude for the aid they received.
“This is a huge help as we try to rebuild. Thank you, especially to the province of Pangasinan and Ma’am Maan Guico, for helping people like us,” said Alexan Rosario, Fire Victim.
These contributions are a big step toward recovery after the tragedy.