April 24, 2024
Tzu Chi helps rebuild the homes of fire victims in Isla Puting Bato, Tondo
By Marella Saldonido
On April 10, a massive fire broke out in a slum community by the break water of the North Harbor in Isla Puting Bato, Tondo, Manila. The fire, aggravated by strong winds, left thousands of residents homeless and displaced.
“It happened so fast,” says Isla Puting Bato resident Corazon Baleña. “The fire spread so quickly because of the wind. We were not able to salvage anything.”
After conducting a survey and needs assessment, Tzu Chi Foundation gave each of the 649 affected families four 4 ft x 12 ft galvanized iron (GI) sheets on April 22 to provide the residents’ needs for materials to rebuild their homes.
Corazon and her family are grateful for the help as they cannot afford to purchase the material themselves. “My husband and I worked together to gather some money for materials needed to rebuild our house. The GI sheets are the only thing missing,” she says.
With the donation made by Tzu Chi Foundation, families facing the same dilemma were given a solution to their problem.
“I was praying so hard that someone will come to give us the materials that we didn’t have. My prayers were answered through the Tzu Chi Foundation,” says a grateful Corazon.
Another fire victim, Rosauro Almadin, holds much gratitude to the local government as well as the organizations who offered them assistance. “We are truly thankful for the people who are willing to help us fire victims. Just like what is happening right now, the government is helping us and various officials and organizations came to visit to share some blessings.”
Like many of the other affected families, Rosauro also didn’t have much left of his home. His small house, held together by pieces of wood standing on the water, is supposed to shelter more than 10 individuals consisting of his children and their spouses, and his grandchildren.
“I quickly grabbed the kids and ran outside. I no long thought about what would happen to our house. I didn’t even grab anything else other than my grandchildren,” he recalls.
The sound of his neighbors screaming and the suffocating effects of the fire’s toxic fumes left Rosauro scared; he worried for himself and his family. But after surviving such incident, he regained his positive mindset. “If we always think about our problems, nothing good will happen. We just need to keep fighting through the hardships we face.”
This kind of positivity is exactly what keeps Tzu Chi volunteer Goldie Ngo inspired and motivated to actively volunteer. “I saw how other people who have much bigger problems than me are still so positive. Their positivity is infectious,” shares Goldie.
For Rosauro, knowing that his family is safe following a life-threatening tragedy is enough. Now, the rebuilding of their home becomes his top priority.
“This is a big help for us because my family will have shelter to protect ourselves from the heat of the sun and the cold breeze. My family will have a roof over their heads,” he says.
The homes of Isla Puting Bato residents were severely damaged after the April 10 fire incident. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
The homes of Isla Puting Bato residents were severely damaged after the April 10 fire incident. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Isla Puting Bato residents try to salvage what is left of their damaged homes after the fire. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
A child lingers amongst the damaged houses after the fire. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
Isla Puting Bato resident Rosauro Almadin smiles despite being left with a severely damaged house. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
The displaced families were moved to Leonardo Fugoso Sport Complex while their homes are being rebuilt in Isla Puting Bato. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
The beneficiaries line up during the distribution of claim stubs at the Leonardo Fugoso Sport Complex on April 18. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteers check the beneficiary’s personal information during the stub distribution. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Beneficiary Rosauro Almadin (center) gladly receives his claim stub for four galvanized iron (GI) sheets for his family. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
“It feels very fulfilling to participate in this activity because our time is precious and I know that I have made good use of my time by being here,” says Tzu Chi volunteer Goldie Ngo. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
On April 22, the representatives of families whose homes were affected by the fire line up with their claim stubs on hand as they wait for their turn to receive the GI sheets. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
The beneficiaries endure the heat of the sun as they wait for their turn to claim the GI sheets. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
A beneficiary waits with her child as they line up for the distribution of the GI sheets. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
A Tzu Chi volunteer collects the beneficiaries’ claim stubs for the GI sheets. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
The distribution of the 4 ft x 12 ft GI sheets begins. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Tzu Chi volunteers assist the beneficiaries as they receive their GI sheets. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Tzu Chi volunteers assist the beneficiaries as they receive their GI sheets. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
The culture of bayanihan (community spirit) was evident during the distribution of GI sheets. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
The culture of bayanihan (community spirit) was evident during the distribution of GI sheets. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Local volunteers and residents of Isla Puting Bato joyfully work together in carrying the GI sheets under the heat of the sun. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
“This is a big help for us because my family will have shelter to protect ourselves from the heat of the sun and the cold breeze. My family will have a roof over their heads,” says beneficiary Rosauro Almadin. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Beneficiary Rosauro Almadin (first from left) and his family currently reside at the Leonardo Fugoso Sport Complex while rebuilding their home in Isla Puting Bato. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
“My husband and I worked together to gather some money to purchase the materials needed to rebuild our house. GI sheets are the only thing missing,” says beneficiary Corazon Baleña (in red and black). 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Beneficiary Corazon Baleña (with glasses on her head) and her family currently reside at the Leonardo Fugoso Sport Complex while rebuilding their home in Isla Puting Bato. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
A resident of Isla Puting Bato carries the GI sheets he received from Tzu Chi volunteers. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Families affected by the fire in Isla Puting Bato start rebuilding their homes from scratch. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Despite the challenge in transporting the GI sheets over the water, Isla Puting Bato residents work hard in rebuilding their homes. 【Photo by Jeaneal Dando】
An Isla Puting Bato resident perseveres in transporting the GI sheets over the water. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Tzu Chi volunteers pack up after a successful day of distributing GI sheets to families in need. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】