September 27, 2024
1,859 families claim fire relief in Tondo, Manila
By Arvin Yanga
On September 14, during the sweltering heat wave in the afternoon, an enormous fire broke out throughout the Aroma Compound at Brgy. 105 in Tondo, Manila.
Fire trucks and even helicopters collaborated in an effort to douse the blazing site after it abruptly spread to neighboring houses. It was one of the largest fires in the National Capital Region (NCR) affecting nearly 2,000 households.
Inspired by the foundation’s advocacy of helping those in need, Tzu Chi volunteers, staff members, and scholars gathered at Don Bosco Youth Center on September 26th to alleviate the suffering of Tondo residents.
A total of 1,859 recipients showed up to claim their relief items. Tzu Chi provided fire victims with 10 kilograms of rice, a pail containing a blanket, sleeping mat, laundry bleach, detergent soap, shampoo, body wash, cooking oil, vinegar, salt, soy sauce, condensed milk, sugar, and biscuits.
"We hope that these relief items will meet their needs and assist them in their immediate recovery from this disaster," said Tzu Chi Charity Department Head Tina Pasion.
Luz Angelee Rojas, the wife of Novoh John Obligado, a former scholar of the Tzu Chi Technical Vocational Program, was sleeping with her 4-month-old baby when she heard someone yell fire warnings. She immediately checked it out, only to see a large fire reaching into their house.
"My husband was at work at the time, and when he returned home, he saw our house completely destroyed by the fire with nothing left." Rojas explained. "We were only able to save some items for our baby."
Rojas, grateful for the foundation's assistance, couldn't contain her emotions as she expressed how important the relief items were to them after experiencing such a terrible tragedy in their lives. "I'm extremely grateful to the Tzu Chi Foundation for not abandoning us from the time my husband became a scholar until he started working. Thank you for igniting our hope. We will never forget all of your assistance," said a tearful Rojas.
Maria Christina Fuentecilla, 53, walked to the venue with her wooden crutch and was able to receive her relief items despite her ankle dislocation.
Fuentecilla helplessly watched her home burn down while holding onto her pet dog and taking him with her to the evacuation area. "These relief items will meet my needs, particularly in this situation. It's my first time receiving assistance; thank you, Tzu Chi Foundation," she exclaimed happily.
Aside from being a relief beneficiary, 26-year-old Lewinsky Epon volunteered to unload the relief items from the transport truck. "Volunteering, in my opinion, promotes unity and harmony. It's also a way of supporting (Tzu Chi), who helps us," Epon explained.
Epon felt compelled to show compassion during the relief distribution. "It feels great to help others, even if you're the one receiving help."
Elenita Reyes, chairwoman of Barangay 105, stated that the Tzu Chi Foundation immediately arrived to assist them after learning of the incident. "We thank the Tzu Chi Foundation for their unending assistance with disaster relief and scholarship programs; they never fail to help us in the face of adversity."
On September 14, a massive fire incident took place at Aroma compound in Tondo, Manila. Photo taken by MDRRM Office
The aftermath of the massive fire incident at Aroma compound in Tondo, Manila. Photo taken by ABS-CBN News
The aftermath of the massive fire incident at Aroma compound in Tondo, Manila.
The aftermath of the massive fire incident at Aroma compound in Tondo, Manila.
Beneficiaries learn about the history of Tzu Chi from a Tzu Chi staff at the Don Bosco Youth Center in Tondo, Manila.
Beneficiaries learn about the history of Tzu Chi from a Tzu Chi staff at the Don Bosco Youth Center in Tondo, Manila.
A beneficiary happily receives relief stubs from a Tzu Chi scholar.
Tondo fire victims are given a pail containing a blanket, sleeping mat, laundry bleach, detergent soap, shampoo, body wash, cooking oil, vinegar, salt, soy sauce, condensed milk, sugar, and biscuits as relief items.
Tzu Chi volunteers unpack the relief items.
Tzu Chi volunteers unload relief items for the beneficiaries.
Tzu Chi volunteers did the sign language of “One Family” for the fire victims.
Barangay 105 Chairwoman Elenita Reyes expresses her gratitude for Tzu Chi’s help throughout the disasters experienced by the beneficiaries.
Tzu Chi volunteers lead a prayer of gratitude before receiving the relief items.
Beneficiary Luz Angelee Rojas joins in prayer.
Beneficiaries show a gesture of gratitude.
(right, wearing green shirt) Maria Christina Fuentecilla expresses gratitude to Tzu Chi.
Beneficiaries line up as they receive their relief goods.
Luz Angelee Rojas, receives relief goods while carrying her baby.
A Tzu Chi volunteer carries the beneficiary’s baby as she receives relief goods.
A Tzu Chi volunteer distributes relief goods to the beneficiary.
A Tzu Chi Volunteer assists a beneficiary in carrying the relief goods.
A Tzu Chi Volunteer assists a beneficiary in carrying the relief goods.
Tzu Chi volunteer Woon Ng assists a beneficiary in receiving relief stubs.
Lewinsky Epon, a beneficiary, volunteers in unloading the relief goods.
Tzu Chi volunteers, staff members, and scholars gather for a group photo after a successful fire relief distribution at Don Bosco Youth Center.