The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) quickly responded to aid the affected individuals in a fire that raged in a residential area in Brgy. Marulas, Valenzuela City last Friday, July 15.

At 3:10 pm, the blaze was raised to the fourth alarm; 72 families, with 246 individuals, were affected and an estimated 50 houses were damaged.

The PRC Valenzuela City Chapter, in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Valenzuela City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (VCDRRMO), and City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), dispatched its fire truck and ambulance unit. It served hot meals and distributed drinking water to 150 individuals and gave face masks to 50 persons.

Affected residents have sought shelter in Valenzuela National High School as the designated evacuation center. The blaze was declared under control at 5:00 pm.

“Ang Red Cross ay laging handa sa ganitong insidente. Agad tayong umaksyon upang magbigay ng tulong sa ating mga kababayang naapektuhan ng sunog sa Valenzuela City. Hindi natin sila iiwan hanggang maibigay natin ang kanilang pangangailangan at matiyak natin ang kanilang kaligtasan,” Chairman Gordon said.                     

Last Saturday, July 16, the PRC intensified its assistance in the community by conducting Health and Hygiene Dissemination and other services until the community reaches its recovery.