The Bacolod City government has provided food assistance to the twelve families whose houses were damaged when a riprap along the Mandalagan River in Purok Ylac, Barangay 1, Bacolod City gave way as heavy rains poured Thursday.

Social Services and Development head Sally Abelarde yesterday said Mayor Evelio Leonardia had instructed them to attend to the needs of the affected families despite the long holiday. She said the food assistance provided by the city included rice, canned goods and noodles.

Abelarde said of the 12 families, three are sharers. She said that of the nine houses, two were destroyed while seven were damaged.

She said the financial assistance needed by the victims will be processed next week after they have submitted the supporting documents.

The structure which supported the houses collapsed at about 2:30 p.m. during the observance of All Saints Day because it had a weak foundation. It was constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highway about a year ago.

Some of the families had evacuated earlier after they were warned by Barangay Captain Sammy Gaitan of Brgy. 1 Wednesday night because there were indications that the structure would collapse. Residents in the area reportedly saw the riprap moving Thursday morning.

Gaitan said the total number of people affected were 59.

Paquito, Reynaldo and Julie, all surnamed Cayao, Ely Acosol, Editha de los Reyes, Jesus Loreto, Romeo Mahilum and Emmanuel and Alan Alo whose houses were damaged were provided temporary shelter by Gaitan.

Gaitan said the houses of Paquito Cayao and Romeo Mahilum were destroyed.

Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson said the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on Public Works will look into the matter so the incident will not happen again.*CGS

back to top