In Photo: Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte and Pwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat party-list Rep. Harold Duterte on Tuesday afternoon, February 10, led the distribution of relief assistance to 43 families displaced by a fire at Purok Punta Dumalag in Barangay Matina Aplaya. (Story and photo by Ivy Tejano)
DAVAO CITY – Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte and Pwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat party-list Rep. Harold Duterte on Tuesday, February 10, led the distribution of relief aid to families displaced by a fire at Purok Punta Dumalag in Barangay Matina Aplaya.
The blaze, which erupted Sunday morning, February 8, forced at least 43 families from their homes in the coastal community. Initial data showed the affected residents included 26 homeowners, 12 sharers, and four renters.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire, which reportedly started around 10:05 a.m. near a beach resort.
Rep. Paolo Duterte, along with his staff and personnel from the Office of Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II, led the relief operations, providing food packs, bottled water, hot porridge, and packed meals intended to cover seven days of assistance.
In addition to food aid, displaced families were given basic kitchen items, including frying pans, cooking pots, kettles, and other cooking implements. Bags containing bath towels, undergarments, and blankets were also distributed.
Children affected by the fire were treated to a “pahalipay (treats)” activity featuring a magic show, with snacks.
Rep. Paolo also provided school supplies to students and pledged to provide school uniforms and shoes to help them resume classes without placing an additional financial burden on their families.
“Whatever you need, my staff is available. Do not hesitate to approach us. We are ready to help in any way we can. The Office of the Vice Mayor and the PPP Party-list are also open to assist you,” Rep. Paolo told residents in the local dialect.
He also urged the residents in the area to remain cautious and prioritize fire prevention measures.
Rep. Harold, who also checked on the affected residents, also supplied large containers of drinking water to the displaced families to ensure they have safe water for daily consumption. He said their office is open to helping those in need.
On Monday, February 9, Liga ng mga Barangay President and Davao City Councilor, January Duterte, separately facilitated the distribution of food packs to the same 43 families to provide immediate relief.
Barangay Matina Aplaya chief Nestor Cirunay thanked Rep. Paolo Duterte and the Duterte family for the prompt assistance extended to the affected residents of Punta Dumalag.
Meanwhile, the First Congressional District Office also responded to another fire incident in Malambuon, Ecoland, Barangay 76-A Bucana. At least 57 families received immediate relief, including food packs, water, and essential supplies.
The Bucana fire, which broke out on Monday, February 9, displaced 40 homeowners, five sharers, six renters, five boarders, and one caretaker. Investigators are still determining the cause of the incident.
-30-
