Help Arrives for 12 Families After July 2 Fire in Apitong as Community Comes Together

Posted on June 5, 2026 at 8:05 am

TACLOBAN CITY — Twelve families who lost their homes in a fire that broke out on July 2 in Purok 5, Barangay 92 Apitong, are now receiving assistance as residents and local officials work together to help them recover.

The fire left the families temporarily homeless, forcing them to seek shelter with relatives and in nearby safe areas while damage assessments and recovery efforts continue in the community.

In the days following the incident, relief assistance was immediately extended to the affected families. Items distributed included hygiene kits, blankets, pails, canned goods, tarpaulins, and sacks of rice to help meet their basic needs during displacement.

Local residents also joined in the response, helping coordinate the distribution of aid and providing support to families as they adjust to the sudden loss of their homes and belongings.

A city councilor who visited the area on July 2 said the priority was to make sure the affected families felt supported right away.

“Sa ganitong pagkakataon, mahalaga na agad nating maabot ang tulong sa mga nawalan ng bahay,” the councilor said. “Gusto natin maramdaman nila na hindi sila nag-iisa habang sila ay nagsisimulang bumangon.”

He added that the recovery effort is a shared responsibility between the government and the community.

“Ang pagbangon ng mga naapektuhan ay hindi magagawa ng iisang tao lamang. Kailangan ang tulong-tulong ng komunidad,” he said.

Residents and volunteers echoed the same sentiment, noting that the quick coordination among neighbors made it easier to extend help to the displaced families.

Local authorities continue to monitor the situation and coordinate further assistance as the families work toward rebuilding their lives after the fire.

Photo courtesy: Office of Councilor Marty Romualdez