May 1, 2026
910 Tawi-Tawi households receive Tzu Chi aid after devastating fire
By Delwiess Danda
A fast-spreading fire tore through the residential area in Barangay Lamion, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, on February 3, affecting 910 households. The fire reportedly spread quickly due to strong winds and because most of the houses affected were made of light materials. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is looking into an electrical problem as the possible cause of the fire that reduced homes and belongings to ashes, forcing residents into evacuation sites where they sheltered in portable tents and relied on the aid and kindness of people for survival.
In response to the fire incident, the Tzu Chi Foundation conducted a two-day relief distribution on April 20-21 for the affected households. A total of 14 Tzu Chi volunteers from Tzu Chi Zamboanga traveled to the island to carry out the relief distribution at the Datu Amir Bahar Gymnasium.
Due to Bongao’s remote location in the Sulu Archipelago, logistics posed significant challenges like high transport costs and potential delays. Preparations took nearly two months, including the procurement and delivery of 7,600 galvanized iron sheets from Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga City, while 910 sacks of 25-kilogram rice were sourced locally in Tawi-Tawi.
Tzu Chi Zamboanga Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anton Lim shared that it is the farthest relief mission they have ever done, but the team remained persistent to fulfill a commitment made to the affected community.
“This two-day event was a promise to the community. After the team assessed their needs, we realized that they still need help, so we distributed rice and galvanised sheets so they can start rebuilding,” said Lim.
Philippine Navy Marines Corporal Markeanne Alforque assisted the operation and highlighted the importance of cooperation among different sectors. He acknowledged support from the Local Government Unit (LGU) and partner organizations that helped ensure the smooth flow of operations.
Beneficiary Rowena Jabi, a 43-year-old resident, shared how quickly the fire escalated in the area. “We were inside the house when the fire broke out nearby, so we immediately looked and saved our children. When we found them, we jumped into the sea and rode a boat to reach the next barangay,” she recalled.
Fisherman Salmido Sarmiento, who was not present during the incident, was shocked when their house was burnt to ashes. Upon arrival, he could not believe his eyes that they were left with nothing to return to.
His family stayed in an evacuation center for about a month after losing their home, belongings, and even their boat, which was their source of living. “It was painful,” he said, adding that they now depend on assistance from their local government and humanitarian organizations as they wait for the chance to rebuild their home.
Tzu Chi volunteer Harvey Yap shared that the relief items were prepared based on the immediate needs of the community. He also stated that progress has been observed in the community since the initial assessment.
“We were surprised two months later, there were a lot of houses being built, and we could hear construction and celebrations,” said Yap. He also said that the reaction of people is a good sign that they are rebuilding their lives.
Overcome with gratitude, residents of Barangay Lamion remain hopeful and determined to continue what was once a scene of loss, now literally rising from the ashes.
The successful operation in Tawi-Tawi was made possible by the collective efforts of Tzu Chi volunteers, LGU, military personnel, and partner organizations, making sure a smooth distribution of aid to all affected households.
Days after the fire, only ash and debris remain where homes once stood.
Tzu Chi volunteer Harvey Yap stands along a newly constructed wooden pathway while debris from houses destroyed by the fire can be seen behind him.
As part of the preparation, the Tzu Chi volunteers conducted an ocular visit to assess the damage and the number of affected households in the area.
Tzu Chi volunteers plan the distribution of assistance to the community, ensuring timely support for the affected families.
Beneficiaries received their sack of rice at the Datu Amir Bahar Gymnasium, which served as a venue for the distribution program.
Personnel from the Philippine Navy Marines unload galvanized iron sheets.
Registration lines were opened prior to the release of stubs, and beneficiaries brought identification cards for verification.
Tzu Chi volunteers carry out tasks efficiently to assist the beneficiaries.
Residents affected by the fire wait patiently to claim assistance from Tzu Chi.
Tzu Chi volunteer Dhing Abdulaup provides instructions on the process of claiming rice relief.
Members of the Philippine Navy Marines assist in the distribution of galvanized iron sheets.
Local workers from the barangay help to unload galvanized roofing sheets.
Tzu Chi volunteer Leo Enricoso assists residents by distributing stubs needed to claim relief aid.
A beneficiary carefully loads her galvanized sheets onto a handcart for easier transportation to her home.
The galvanized iron sheets provide residents with materials to rebuild and improve the roof of their home.
Beneficiaries carefully secure their roofing materials for future repair of their house.
Having lost everything from the fire, residents begin rebuilding their home from the ground up.
After living in an evacuation center for a month, Salmido Sarmiento returns to his fire-ravaged home to start the process of rebuilding.
The Sama Badjao community stands united with their smiles, continuing to move forward after the recent fire.
Progress is now visible in Tawi-Tawi, where several homes have newly installed roofing.