May 30, 2025
Tzu Chi mounts relief distribution for over 200 Sta. Mesa fire victims
By Dorothy Castro
On May 27, Tzu Chi Philippines conducted a fire relief distribution where 204 families received essential items after a devastating fire destroyed 60 homes in Brgy. 628, Zone 23 of Anonas, Sta. Mesa, Manila. The blaze displaced 214 families and caused two deaths.
With these homes being close together and made of light materials, “[the families] were unable to save anything but themselves, because the fire spread very quickly,” said Brgy. 628 Chairman Raul Marasigan.
Uncertain about what to do next, over 200 families are temporarily seeking shelter at the town’s evacuation centers as they await help. Hearing of their situation, Tzu Chi volunteers sprang into action, preparing relief goods such as cleaning and hygiene products, condiments, kitchen utensils, clothing, blankets and mats, and 10 kilograms of rice per family.
Amidst the disheartening tragedy caused by the fire, one woman stood out in the crowd, waiting for her turn to receive relief goods with a smile. Fifty-five-year-old Marivel Cerezo could not let this devastation ruin her hope. After all, she lived not only for herself, but for her family.
When the fire broke out, all she thought of was to save what she could: a few items, legal documents, and most importantly, her three pets whom she considers family.
As a snack vendor, her income helped sustain their family of eight. Without her home and livelihood, she finds herself at a loss. “All of our savings were lost in the fire. We didn’t have much, but we were saving up to get our house repaired. But then, this happened,” she said, downhearted.
Her smile held a deep sorrow that she continues to battle with the hope she has left. “I had to accept what happened. At least I was able to save my family,” she said through tears. Even amid the chaos, she was grateful that her grandchildren were safe.
Receiving the relief items from Tzu Chi helped ease some of her worries. When asked how she felt about receiving the goods, she laughed after wiping her tears. “After losing everything, we finally have essentials to use again,” Cerezo said.
For the 16 Tzu Chi volunteers, it is these moments of uplifting people’s spirits through compassion that keep them going. Tzu Chi volunteer Zhenju Yang shared that this first step in helping communities is her way of fulfilling her dream, to walk the path of Tzu Chi founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen who always chose compassion and kindness for all beings.
Overcome with gratitude, Cerezo held firmly to her faith, thankful for the help that came in her time of need. She reminds herself of the courage she must have in the days to come:
“We can do it. Nothing is impossible. We will overcome this.”
On May 19, a fire broke out at Brgy. 628, Sta. Mesa, Manila. This tragedy resulted in two fatalities, and displaced 214 families.
On May 27, Tzu Chi volunteers, scholars, and staff members conducted fire relief operations at Brgy. 628, Sta. Mesa, Manila.
A Tzu Chi volunteer unloads sacks of relief items.
Tzu Chi volunteer Zhenju Yang participates in her first relief operations, helping in many areas such as setting up the venue.
Relief items include condiments that can help beneficiaries in preparing their food.
Beneficiaries sign up for the relief distribution, claiming their relief cards.
Tzu Chi scholars manage the registration area of the relief operations.
Tzu Chi staff member Julie Collado gives an inspiring talk, comforting beneficiaries through these challenging times.
Beneficiaries raise their relief distribution stubs, saying “Thank you Tzu Chi, thank you Master Cheng Yen!”
Beneficiaries put their palms together in prayer.
A young Tzu Chi volunteer helps prepare the relief goods for distribution.
Tzu Chi volunteers help in distributing relief goods to beneficiaries.
Despite the difficult time, many were all-smiles during the relief distribution.
Tzu Chi volunteers help in distributing relief goods to beneficiaries.
Tzu Chi volunteer Zhenju Yang distributes the clothing for beneficiaries.
“The help that Tzu Chi Foundation gave is great relief for the community. I know that when they help, they help a great deal. That is why I am thankful to Tzu Chi,” says Brgy. 628 Chairman Raul Marasigan.
Receiving these essential items eased Marivel Cerezo’s worries as they start anew.
A resident smiles in gratitude as she receives relief goods from a Tzu Chi volunteer.
Beneficiary Marivel Cerezo receives relief goods.