A fire tore through the Home for the Blind in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, on January 13 leaving 83 individuals, including residents and staff, homeless.
The blaze, which started around 1:18 PM, engulfed two buildings and a house belonging to the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD). Two additional houses sustained damage in the inferno.
Fire Officer 2 Anthony Val Isansa estimates the fire caused around 4.32 million pesos in damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The displaced residents, comprising 20 families, have found temporary refuge at the Barangay Mansilingan Gymnasium. Social Welfare Officer Alma Gustilo confirmed that the city government has provided food packs, folding beds, hot meals, and non-food relief items to the fire victims.
Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Congressman Greg Gasataya, and Mansilingan Barangay Captain Franz Tionko visited the fire victims at the gymnasium on Saturday night.
Benitez assured the displaced families of financial assistance and expressed confidence in the community’s support to help them get back on their feet.
