Cebu Provincial Gov't, Talisay City Extend Help to Fire Victims in Barangay Biasong
TALISAY CITY, Cebu — Local officials trooped to Sitio San Lucas, Barangay Biasong here in Talisay City today to check on families displaced by a fire, who are now taking shelter at the Biasong Gym evacuation area.
Part of the team that visited was the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), led by Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano, representing Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, to personally assess the immediate needs of the affected families.
"We know it's never easy to go through a fire. It's really back to zero for everyone," the local government said, adding that it wants the victims to feel they will not be left to face this difficult time alone.
What Assistance Is Being Prepared
According to the local government, several forms of assistance are being lined up for the affected families:
Food. Free breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided starting tonight until Saturday breakfast — five days of free meals while additional financial assistance is being processed for them.
Relief goods. Sleeping kits, dining kits, hygiene kits, and kitchen utensils will also be distributed to the families currently staying at the evacuation center.
Financial assistance. This is targeted to be ready by Saturday morning. The local government did not specify an exact amount in its statement. It also said it has coordinated with the office of Congresswoman Rhea Gullas for additional financial help, which may likewise be released within the week. No amount was disclosed for this either.
Psychosocial support. Social workers are on standby to conduct psychosocial interventions should the victims need it, as the local government recognizes that trauma is very much part of what families go through after a fire.
Medicine. For victims who receive prescriptions from doctors stationed at the evacuation area, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) will help provide the needed medicines through partner pharmacies — free of charge as well.
Context: Why This Matters for Cebu
Talisay City is one of the fast-growing cities in Metro Cebu, where the population in residential areas such as Barangay Biasong keeps climbing. Fires in residential zones like this remain one of the recurring challenges faced by local governments across Cebu province, especially in areas with dense housing.
It's also worth noting that the Provincial Government of Cebu under Gov. Pamela Baricuatro is directly involved here, not just the Talisay City Government — a clear example of how provincial and city-level agencies work together on disaster response in the region. The involvement of Cong. Rhea Gullas' office, too, shows coordination even at the congressional level for affected constituents in Talisay.
Donation Drive
The local government has also opened its doors to those who wish to give through a donation drive launched for the fire victims. Even a small contribution, it said, can go a long way for the affected families.
The local government further said it will continue extending support to the victims until their needs are addressed, reminding Talisaynons to "padayon lang" and to help one another as they rise again.
Quick Summary
What: Provincial and City Government visit and assistance for fire victims
Where: Sitio San Lucas, Barangay Biasong, Talisay City, Cebu (evacuation site: Biasong Gym)
When: Ongoing assistance — free meals until Saturday breakfast; financial aid targeted for Saturday morning (specific amount not yet disclosed)
Impact on Visayas: Direct assistance from the Provincial Government of Cebu and Talisay City LGU for affected residents; additional coordination with Cong. Rhea Gullas' office for financial aid
Source: Statement from the Talisay City Government / Provincial Government of Cebu, released in connection with a visit led by Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano on behalf of Gov. Pamela Baricuatro