Vivant Foundation Extends Support to Fire-Affected Families in Cebu City
In a significant relief effort, Vivant Foundation Inc. (VFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of Vivant Corporation, has provided aid to 150 families impacted by a devastating fire in Barangay Ermita, Cebu City. The incident occurred on Black Saturday, April 4, 2026, affecting between 600 to 750 individuals and destroying numerous homes, forcing residents to relocate to safer areas as they begin their recovery process.
Immediate Response and Community Assistance
As a direct response to the crisis, VFI distributed essential supplies to help the community during the initial phase of rebuilding. The fire broke out in a densely populated urban neighborhood, which is also the host barangay for Meridian Power Inc. (MPI), formerly known as Cebu Private Power Company and a fully acquired subsidiary of Vivant Energy. During the height of the emergency, MPI opened its facility to serve as a strategic staging ground for responders, enabling faster access, improved coordination, and more effective firefighting and rescue operations. This swift action played a crucial role in containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to adjacent areas.
Barangay Captain Mark Rizaldy Miral of Ermita expressed gratitude, stating, "We are thankful to MPI for immediately opening its gates to the fire responders at the onset. That quick decision made a huge difference in helping prevent the fire from spreading further and spared more families from losing their homes."
Corporate Commitment to Community Welfare
Bienvenido Saniel III, Vice President of MPI, emphasized the company's dedication to local residents, saying, "Our communities are never an afterthought. They are part of who we are and why we do what we do. We carry with us a responsibility to look after the people who live around us. Supporting them in time of need will always come first." Shem Jose Garcia, Executive Director of VFI, highlighted that this effort is part of Vivant's broader commitment to community engagement, noting, "Vivant goes beyond providing energy solutions. We are present for the communities we serve, especially in times of need. In moments like this, what matters most is showing up, standing with the community, and doing what we can to help them recover and move forward."
Ongoing Recovery and Gratitude
Residents continue to express their appreciation for the collaborative support from responders, local leaders, and the private sector. They remain hopeful that through sustained unity and cooperation, their recovery and return to normal life will be accelerated. The incident underscores the importance of swift corporate and community action in disaster response, setting a precedent for future emergencies in the region.
