March 5, 2024
Beneficiaries receive essential goods from Tzu Chi during fire relief in Barangay 598, Sta. Mesa, Manila
By Dorothy Castro
On March 1, Tzu Chi Foundation conducted a relief operation for residents affected by the recent fire in Barangay 598, Sta. Mesa, Manila.
According to Barangay 598 Chairman Lito Linis, the fire started at around 10 o’clock in the morning of February 21. Located in the middle of the barangay along very narrow streets, the fire spread to other areas very quickly.
A total of 187 families were affected by the fire. The majority of those affected were tenants (73 families), while homeowners (62 families) and sharers (52 families) followed.
Empathizing with the plight of the victims, Chairman Linis said that “the families’ loss of their homes deeply devastated them, especially because these families have been residing in the area for a very long time.” He also explained that the beneficiaries are part of the indigent families whose sources of income and livelihood are extremely limited, hence their homes are what they consider to be their only fortune.
“I could barely keep my slippers on as I ran to get to our home, worrying that my child was not able to make it out of the house,” said 46-year-old Renira Alvar, recalling what her family had gone through when the fire happened.
A mother of four, Renira manages their household while her husband works in Australia as an Overseas Filipino Worker, painting ships for a living. She was on her way to the hospital with one of her children when she saw the firefighters running to their street.
Ediluz Datu, a 48-year-old massage therapist, was also on her way to a hospital, accompanying her nephew’s wife for a check-up when the fire happened.
For both Renira and Ediluz, their families’ lives were of utmost importance. “These material items can be replaced, but we only get one life,” Renira said through tears. Neither of their families were able to save any valuables with them, only themselves.
“What we lost in the fire, Tzu Chi replaced,” Renira shared. She felt joy as she saw how Tzu Chi volunteers welcomed them wholeheartedly and comforted them as they went through these challenging moments.
To Ediluz, the items provided by Tzu Chi help lessen their upcoming expenses as they start anew. “This is a huge help to us, because we were not able to bring any items with us after the fire. Instead of buying essential items, Tzu Chi has already provided for us.”
Tzu Chi Foundation distributed various necessities for the beneficiaries, such as cookware, dining utensils, toiletries, rice, and a grocery voucher.
Sonny Tan, a Tzu Chi volunteer expressed his gratitude, that he was able to help in planning and conducting the relief operations for the beneficiaries in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Houses of 187 families in Barangay 598 Sta. Mesa, Manila were severely damaged after the fire. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Houses of 187 families in Barangay 598 Sta. Mesa, Manila were severely damaged after the fire. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
A Tzu Chi volunteer unloads relief goods for the beneficiaries. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteers arrange relief goods for the beneficiaries. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteers work together to carry the relief goods for the beneficiaries. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
One of the items given during the relief distribution is a ₱500 Puregold supermarket gift certificate from Tzu Chi Foundation. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
A beneficiary receives her claim stub for various relief goods from a Tzu Chi volunteer. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
“We can start again, because you are here with us, helping us,” says Renira Alvar, hopeful for a new beginning. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Beneficiaries join the Tzu Chi volunteers in prayer during the relief operations. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteers lead the prayer during the relief operations in Barangay 598, Sta Mesa, Manila. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteers show a sign language performance to give the beneficiaries strength during these difficult times. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi scholars also dedicate their time to distribute relief goods to the beneficiaries. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteers help beneficiaries collect their relief goods for their families. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteers help beneficiaries collect their relief goods for their families. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
A beneficiary accepts a ₱500 Puregold gift certificate from a member of Tzu Chi Youth. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Renira Alvar receives the essential goods and gift certificate during the fire relief. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Residents who lost everything from the fire happily claim their relief goods from Tzu Chi volunteers. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Fire victims received rice, kitchen and cooking essentials, and other basic goods. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
“Tzu Chi is always here for us in many situations, may it be through relief operations in times of disaster, or through medical services,” Chairman Lito Linis shares. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
After the relief operations, Tzu Chi volunteers, staff, and scholars pose together for a photo. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】