VP’s office extends aid to market fire victims

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) through the Disaster Operations Center (DOC) conducted a relief operation at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, March 22, for the affected entrepreneurs of the Baguio City Public Market where a huge portion was burned on the evening of March 11.

The city government thru the City Social Welfare Department Office (CSWDO) and Public Order & Safety Division (POSD) provided assistance to the OVP by maintaining order and security during the activity.

CSWDO head Liza D. Bulayungan said the operation included around 1,410 victims of the  fire based on a list provided by the City Treasury Office who received relief assistance.

Chief of Disaster Operation Center (DOC) Eymard D. Eja disclosed that a total of 1,500 food boxes were prepared by the OVP containing canned goods, rice, noodles, and others, including a buffer stock in case there are vendors who are not on the list but are still affected by the fire and will still receive relief assistance.

Along with OVP-led activity, the CSWDO also conducted an assessment for the fire victims who wanted to apply for Educational Assistance for their children, a project of Senators Bong Go and Robin Padilla, aimed at providing a better and safer future for the next generation.

“Only one child per family is allowed to apply for educational assistance to ensure that everyone who needs assistance will receive it,” Bulayungan explained.

The Educational assessment continued the next day, March 23, and was held at the public market. – Alpha May Patacsil