Marites Palomino beamed with a smile as she receives a 20-kg sack of rice. 【Photo by Katrina Mina】
Story Highlights
Fire victims from Las Piñas and Parañaque benefitted from Tzu Chi Foundation’s relief distribution last January 28, 2019.
A total of 92 houses was damaged killing atleast three people in a fire that struck Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque and Julio’s Compound, Las Piñas.
On the 28th of January 2019, two separate fires razed the houses in Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque and Julio’s Compound in Las Piñas. Tzu Chi Foundation immediately sent aid to almost 190 families affected. Victims received relief goods, 20-kg rice and thermal eco-blankets.
Three casualties were reported in Barangay Moonwalk: two was killed from the fire while one died due to cardiac arrest. No fatalities were accounted in Julio’s Compound in Las Piñas. Both fires were caused by faulty electrical wiring.
“It’s painful to lose [all] your things. Everyone’s hard-earned belongings, gone in a blink. Then my mother lost her life too. We did not expect those things to happen.” said Joy Miranda.
Joy’s mother Cristina Miranda, 53, was one of the casualties. She was able to get out from their burning house but died later of cardiac arrest.
“[She] had a heart attack. She couldn’t accept the fact that our house was gone; and she thought I died in the fire.” Miranda added. “It’s alright if our house was burned down. But losing a parent so suddenly? That’s hard to accept. It hurts to lose a parent.”
The Miranda family received cash assistance worth ₱3,000 from the foundation.
“I’m grateful to everyone who helped. To everyone who gave relief goods, to your foundation. This is a big help. Without these, we don’t know where to find food for every day.”
Marites Palomino, a fire victim from Julio’s Compound in Las Piñas, expressed her gratitude for Tzu Chi’s relief efforts. Instead of worrying about rice, the 20-kg from the foundation would be a big help.
“It’s a really big help. There are others who gave help, but it stops there. You were the only ones who made me cry. Because you also give blessings [teachings].” said Marites.
During the relief distribution, Tzu Chi volunteers gave a brief talk to comfort the victims and lift their emotional being. They highlighted one of Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s teaching about two things that could not wait: filial piety and helping others.
Barangay official Milagros Rodriguez expressed, “You gave them complete [help]. Teachings, values and material support. Because material needs are secondary. What’s important are the [values] that everyone will learn.” She also thanked Dharma Master Cheng Yen for her help. “I am thankful to your master because she has a big heart for everyone.”
“Have strength because there’s a reason for their loss… They have a parent left, their father. Maybe it’s time they show their father their love as children.” She added.
Tzu Chi volunteer Lugena Macaraeg consoled the fire victims by encouraging them. Macaraeg was also a victim of a fire in Barangay Manresa, Quezon City this month.
“They should remain strong. Things could be earned, what’s important is their safety. They will recover in time, just pray to God so we could overcome these challenges.” she said.
