Cebu City distributed over P3.12 million in cash assistance to 260 families affected by fires in nine barangays on June 3, 2026, to help them recover from the damages they suffered.
Through the Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS), beneficiaries from Barangays Quiot, Bacayan, Ermita, Tisa, Pahina Central, Bonbon, Inayawan, Calamba, and Apas received financial aid. Homeowners whose houses were partially or totally damaged received P20,000, while sharers received P10,000, and lodgers and absentee owners received P5,000.
DSWS head Portia Basmayor said the aid, funded by the city, is intended for victims of 11 fire incidents, including those in Barangays Quiot and Apas.
According to Basmayor, all qualified beneficiaries underwent validation by the department to determine the extent of damage to their homes and verify their ownership.
"All those validated will receive assistance," she said.
During the distribution, Mayor Nestor Archival assured the fire victims that the city government would continue its support as they strive to recover.
"This is just a small help from the city for the victims," the mayor said.
Archival also emphasized that the city is concerned about the situation of affected families and is ready to assist whenever disaster strikes.
The mayor also expressed concern about improper waste disposal, especially in barangays with aid beneficiaries.
"Let us practice waste segregation and proper garbage disposal," Archival said, adding that responsible waste management sets a good example for future generations.
This statement came a few days after he posted a video on his Facebook page on June 1, 2026, showing a person allegedly throwing bags of garbage into the sea near Pasil Fish Market.
In his post, he wrote: "The government can clean up the garbage, but only the people can stop it from coming back."
One beneficiary from Barangay Ermita said the money is a big help for their family to meet their needs, but she remains worried that it won't be enough to rebuild their house.
"We will use it to buy food, but it's not enough to rebuild our house," she said while waiting to receive the aid. According to her, their family currently lives in a temporary shelter made from used plywood and other salvaged materials.
The fire that affected their community occurred on April 4, almost two months before the aid distribution. / Lee Hashman Patalita and Jhoyenn Sumayang, CNU interns
