In a swift response to a recent disaster, the Pampanga Provincial Government, under the directive of Governor Lilia "Nanay" Pineda, has extended immediate assistance to victims of a fire that struck a local community.
Immediate Provincial Response Mobilized
The fire incident occurred last January 7 in Barangay San Bartolome, within the Municipality of Santo Tomas. Upon the orders of Governor Pineda, the Provincial Capitol quickly activated its resources to help those displaced by the blaze. The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) took the lead in the relief operations.
Working in coordination with Provincial Board Member Dr. Kaye Naguit, the PSWDO team distributed essential food packs and other necessary items to the affected families. Dr. Naguit also provided crucial psychosocial debriefing, with a particular focus on supporting the women who endured the traumatic event.
Scope of the Damage and Injuries
According to the official report submitted by Provincial Fire Marshal Jose Raymund Manimbo, the fire resulted in injuries to two individuals. One of the victims is an 11-year-old girl who suffered second-degree burns and is currently undergoing medical treatment. The scale of the impact was significant, with the blaze affecting a total of 27 families, comprising 117 individuals.
Initial investigations by the municipal fire department point to a possible cause. Authorities are considering that an unattended candle in one of the houses may have sparked the fire that quickly spread through the area.
Ongoing Support and Future Assistance
The provincial government's aid does not end with the initial relief distribution. Officials have announced plans to conduct a thorough assessment for Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA). This next phase is critical to help the displaced families rebuild their homes and recover from their losses.
The coordinated effort between the governor's office, the PSWDO, and local officials like Dr. Naguit highlights the province's disaster response mechanism in action, aiming to provide both immediate relief and longer-term recovery support to its constituents.
