THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) distributed 100 modular tents to residents displaced by a massive fire in Quezon City’s Pinyahan district.
MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III led the distribution on Sunday, March 8, a day after the blaze that burned for about nine hours before it was brought under control.
The fire swept through a densely populated residential area on Friday, destroying several houses and forcing hundreds of families to evacuate to nearby shelters.
Torre said the tents were provided to give temporary shelter to displaced families staying in evacuation centers while they recover from the fire.
“In times like these, we see the true strength of our communities — the bayanihan, compassion, and cooperation of everyone,” Torre said.
The agency said it will also conduct fogging and misting operations in evacuation centers to help prevent possible health risks among displaced residents.
The initiative was also joined by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), led by General Manager Mel Robles, which distributed 2,000 “ChariTimba” (charity buckets) containing basic food items to affected families.
Torre also spoke with several residents during the visit to listen to their concerns and assess the needs of families affected by the fire.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed gratitude to the MMDA and PCSO for the immediate assistance extended to residents displaced by the blaze.
Belmonte said the affected residents are currently housed in eight evacuation sites: Flora Ylagan High School, Pinyahan Covered Court, San Isidro Labrador Parish, NIA Covered Court, the NIA Building, Pinyahan Elementary School, the Napocor Office, and the NHA Balik Probinsiya Covered Court at the Manila Seedling compound.
The relief activity was conducted at evacuation sites where families from the affected community are temporarily staying, as authorities continue to assess the damage and coordinate further assistance for those who lost their homes.
