Tzu Chi holds fire relief in Tumana, Marikina

February 27, 2024

Tzu Chi holds fire relief in Tumana, Marikina

51 families received rice, a grocery gift check, and various kitchen essentials.

By Joy Rojas

Antonio Reyes was getting ready to wash clothes on the morning of Sunday, February 18, when he heard a huge commotion outside his home in Barangay Tumana, Marikina City. “I thought it was a fight,” he said.

Instead, it was a fire and it was spreading fast. As smoke and flames rose from his neighbor’s home, he quickly woke family members from their sleep, and only managed to grab a bag with IDs and the title of a property as he fled. “We weren’t able to bring anything else,” said the company driver with much regret.

Tumana’s latest disaster proved too much for Veronica Soriano. The mother of seven sobbed when asked to share her experience with the fire. “It’s hard,” she said, wiping her tears. “Whenever I think about it, I can’t handle it.”

A low-lying community in Marikina, Tumana has been beset by calamities through the years. In 2009, residents took to their rooftops as torrential rains from Typhoon Ondoy submerged homes in mud and flood water. Households were forced to do it again in 2020, following the heavy downpour and massive floods of Typhoon Ulysses.

With each catastrophe, Tzu Chi volunteers were on the scene, providing comfort and hope to the stricken community. On February 23, volunteers organized a relief distribution for Tumana’s fire victims, who are seeking temporary shelter in modular evacuation tents set up in the community’s multi-purpose court.

Fifty-one families who were affected by the fire received relief. “Each of the families was given a P500 grocery gift check, a sack of rice, and assorted essentials for the kitchen, like utensils, glasses, and various cookware,” said longtime Tzu Chi volunteer Daisy Ocampo. The relief goods were packed by students of the International School Manila during their recent visit to Tzu Chi to learn about the foundation’s recycling and upcycling initiatives.

“I’m very happy that there are many NGOs as well as community and local government groups extending help,” said Homeowners Association President Lisa del Carmen Lucero. “The first I will thank is the Tzu Chi Foundation. From the time of Ondoy and Ulysses, Tzu Chi continues to offer us assistance. I myself have benefited from Tzu Chi after Ondoy and Ulysses. My roof is a souvenir from your generosity.”

For Antonio Reyes, a regular recipient of Tzu Chi’s aid during disasters, each encounter with the volunteers is an eye-opening experience. “I just realized this now,” he said. “For Tzu Chi to help more people, we have to set aside money, even small change. We don’t have to think about where or who it’s going to. What’s important is we help. What we donate helps a lot of people, and it’s our chance to give back.”

Volunteer Daisy Ocampo is proof of that. Joining Tzu Chi after Ondoy, she devoted her time and efforts to volunteering, eventually working her way up to certified commissioner in 2014. “Since I became a Tzu Chi volunteer, my family life has been easy,” said a visibly moved Daisy. “So many blessings come when you volunteer.”

“Tzu Chi is always there to help,” she said. “I hope everyone who receives relief will think the same—to help and express their love to every person.”

Arial view of homes affected by a fire on February 18 in Barangay Tumana, Marikina City【Photo by Harold Alzaga】

Modular evacuation tents serve as temporary shelter for families who lost their homes to the fire. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】

Volunteers inspect what’s left of the homes after the fire. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】

Volunteers set up relief goods for fire victims. Rice, kitchen and personal care essentials, and a grocery gift check were given to representatives of the 51 families affected by the blaze. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】

In the face of disaster, volunteers give residents reason to smile. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】

Representatives of families affected by the fire line up to get their claim stubs. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】

“For Tzu Chi to help more people, we have to set aside money, even small change,” said Tumana resident Antonio Reyes. “We don’t have to think about where or who it’s going to. What’s important is we help. What we donate helps a lot of people, and it’s our chance to give back.” 【Photo by Matt Serrano】

Of the various NGOs, community groups, and local government groups extending help, “the first I will thank is the Tzu Chi Foundation,” said Homeowners Association President Lisa del Carmen Lucero. “From the time of Ondoy and Ulysses, Tzu Chi continues to offer us assistance.” 【Photo by Matt Serrano】

Veronica Soriano is surrounded by her possessions after the February 18 fire: some clothes and various donated goods. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】

“Tzu Chi is always there to help,” said volunteer Daisy Ocampo. “I hope everyone who receives relief will think the same—to help and express their love to every person.” 【Photo by Matt Serrano】