MANILA, (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited fire-ravaged Tondo on Saturday, promising affected families they will be home by Christmas and pledging comprehensive support for the community’s recovery.
Speaking directly to some 2,100 families displaced by a recent fire in the Isla Puting Bato neighborhood, Marcos assured victims in Filipino, “Do not worry, we will provide what you need.”
“Ipinangako ko po doon sa mga kasama natin sa isang evacuation center, pag kayo, hindi pa namin naiuwi pagdating ng Pasko, ako po ay pupunta rito, magpapaparty at magme-Merry Christmas tayo, sama-sama,” the President said. (I promised those who were with us in an evacuation center, if we haven’t brought you home by Christmas, I will come here, we will have a party and have a Merry Christmas, together.)
The president personally distributed cash aid and food packs to families who lost their homes.
The government will go beyond immediate relief, with Marcos committing to a Christmas party for families still in evacuation centers and ensuring medical teams from the Department of Health are on-site to address immediate health concerns.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna echoed the president’s commitment, saying, “We will continue to support you and will not stop helping.”
Marcos acknowledged the community’s resilience, recognizing that despite their smiles and loud voices, residents are grappling with significant challenges of caring for their families and finding a path forward.
The primary focus, according to the President, is rebuilding homes for the approximately 2,100 families affected by the fire that swept through the densely populated district.
The presidential visit underscores the administration’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in times of crisis, offering both immediate aid and long-term recovery support. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(Photos by PIA-NCR)
