May 3, 2024
Tzu Chi helps San Juan City LGU provide relief for fire survivors in Barangay Batis
By Marella Saldonido
Following the April 16 fire incident in Barangay Batis, San Juan City, about 200 families were displaced and are currently residing at the San Juan Gymnasium. The city’s local government unit (LGU), with the help of other organizations such as the Tzu Chi Foundation, provided the survivors with various donations to support their needs in the evacuation center.
During the relief distribution in San Juan City Hall on April 30, the Tzu Chi Foundation donated a 10-kilogram sack of rice, a Puregold voucher worth P500, toiletries, biscuits, and other household items such as a blanket, sleeping mat, pail, casserole, frying pan, spatula, plates, drinking cups, spoons, and forks to each of the affected families.
“We ask help from other organizations like Tzu Chi to add more joy and happiness to those who are affected and I’m very thankful that you have responded in this manner,” says San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora.
Tzu Chi volunteer Alvin Acero is equally grateful for the opportunity to help his fellow San Juaneños. “Being able to do this fills my heart. Many of our volunteers are from San Juan, so of course, who else would help them other than us coming from San Juan?”
Barangay Batis staff and resident Jennifer Solis was just doing her usual duties at work when the fire broke out. “I was at the barangay hall when someone told me that there was a fire incident in our barangay. I didn’t believe them at first, but then I ran home and saw our houses ablaze,” she says tearily.
Despite the treacherous flames, Jennifer courageously went into their burning house, hoping to save some of their belongings. However, it was too late for her to retrieve anything. “My daughter came out barefoot while carrying our dog. We weren’t able to save anything other than our dog,” she shares.
Similarly, the shocking sight of the blazing residential area did not stop Barangay Batis resident Vilma Escatron from entering their burning house. The thought of her two young children, ages four and seven, being trapped inside gave her the courage to risk her own life. Fortunately, her children were already rescued and evacuated from the area.
“I am so thankful that my children are safe. I don’t mind losing our things in the fire as long as my family is safe,” says Vilma.
Now, even though they need to start anew with their lives, fire survivors Jennifer and Vilma are still grateful to have the support of their local government as well as other organizations who are willing to assist them every step of the way.
As a volunteer, Alvin wishes to continue taking part in alleviating the sufferings of the people and hopes for the beneficiaries to eventually do the same.
“My wish is that in our next meeting with them, they are no longer the recipients of our help but the ones giving other people a helping hand,” he says with enthusiasm.
Tzu Chi volunteers pose for a group photo with San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora (second from right) and Vice Mayor Atty. Angelo Agcaoili (third from right) during the distribution of relief goods in San Juan City Hall on April 30. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Beneficiaries line up at the registration area. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
A Tzu Chi volunteer hands over a Puregold voucher worth P500 to a beneficiary. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
A beneficiary gladly receives the items donated by Tzu Chi. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Beneficiary Vilma Escatron (center), her daughter, Gina Escatron (left) and another beneficiary pose with the items they received from Tzu Chi. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Each family receives a 10-kilogram sack of rice, a Puregold voucher worth P500, toiletries, biscuits, and other household items such as a blanket, sleeping mat, pail, casserole, frying pan, spatula, plates, drinking cups, spoons, and forks. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Each family receives a 10-kilogram sack of rice, a Puregold voucher worth P500, toiletries, biscuits, and other household items such as a blanket, sleeping mat, pail, casserole, frying pan, spatula, plates, drinking cups, spoons, and forks. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Beneficiary Jennifer Solis poses with the items she received from Tzu Chi. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Tzu Chi volunteer Alvin Acero (in blue) assists beneficiaries claiming rice. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Tzu Chi volunteers, together with the San Juan City officials and staff, and the victims of the fire in Barangay Batis, join their hands in prayer. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
A total of 189 affected families received Tzu Chi’s donations at the relief distribution in San Juan City Hall on April 30. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】