Manila: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Sunday assured families displaced by the recent fire in Parola Compound in Tondo, Manila of immediate government support as he oversaw the distribution of ready-to-eat food boxes at the Delpan evacuation center.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) emphasized the importance of immediate assistance as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. She highlighted Secretary Gatchalian's visit to assess the conditions and needs of those affected at the Delpan evacuation center.

Dumlao, also the DSWD spokesperson, mentioned that Gatchalian checked on the internally displaced persons' condition and instructed the DSWD's Field Office National Capital Region (NCR) to ensure the rapid delivery of necessary assistance. She affirmed that the DSWD is committed to ensuring that affected families have access to food and other essential needs during their recovery.

Gatchalian further directed FO-NCR Regional Director Michael Lorico to distribute kitchen kits, sleeping kits, and other non-food items to those seeking refuge at the Delpan evacuation center. Dumlao reported that 2,000 kitchen kits and 2,000 sleeping kits were delivered on Sunday morning to aid these families. The Secretary aims to ensure that families not only have food and essential items but also a decent place to sleep and eat.

The DSWD is prepared to provide additional resources in cooperation with Manila's local government, depending on the displaced families' needs. The evacuation center's report indicated that the fire affected 2,134 families, totaling 7,123 individuals.

Joining Gatchalian in this activity were Undersecretary Dianna Rose Cajipe of the DSWD's DRMG and Field Office NCR Assistant Regional Director for Operations, Bienvenido Barbosa Jr.