The air in Zone 3, Cugman, still carried the heavy, acrid scent of smoke when the first waves of relief arrived. Amidst the charred remains of memories, a beacon of hope flickered to life at the local gathering point. LGU-CDO through the City Social Welfare and Development Department-Disaster Response Team promptly provided aid to families affected by the fire in Zone 3, Cugman, Tuesday, January 20, at Barangay Cugman hall.
Furthermore, the response felt like a warm embrace for a community shaken by sudden loss. As the afternoon progressed, volunteers moved with rhythmic purpose, ensuring that no one stood alone in the shadow of the disaster. Consequently, the hall transformed from a simple government building into a vibrant sanctuary of recovery and resilience, buzzing with the energy of neighbors helping neighbors.
Rising from the Ashes: More Than Just Supplies
To restore a sense of dignity and normalcy, the response team carefully distributed essential supplies to those who watched their homes vanish in the heat. The assistance provided to each family included hygiene kits, kitchen utensils, mosquito nets, and sleeping linens. These items served as the first tangible building blocks for families looking to reclaim their lives and find comfort during their first night of displacement.
Moreover, the comforting aroma of freshly prepared food soon filled the air, offering a different kind of sustenance. In addition to these non-food items, the fire survivors also received meals through a community kitchen prepared by the CSWD Disaster Response Team and Cugman Barangay Council. According to initial data from the CSWD Department Disaster Response Team, a total of 18 families were affected by the fire, yet through this collective effort, they found the strength to look toward tomorrow.
