A devastating fire swept through a residential neighborhood in Lapu-Lapu City on Monday, November 17, 2025, leaving dozens of families homeless and prompting immediate government response.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
The blaze erupted in Zone 1 of Barangay Buaya, destroying over 30 houses and displacing numerous residents. The Lapu-Lapu City Government quickly mobilized resources to assist those affected by the incident.
According to City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) officer-in-charge Sheila Baylosis, 33 households comprising 41 families have been officially documented. She noted that some households included sharers, indicating multiple families living in single dwellings.
The Buaya Sports Complex Gym has been established as the primary evacuation center for residents who lost their homes in the fire.
Immediate Relief and Financial Assistance
Affected individuals received ready-to-eat meals along with food and non-food items provided by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. This emergency relief ensured basic necessities for families in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
Beyond initial aid, the City Government through the CSWDO is preparing financial assistance for the impacted families. Homeowners will receive P30,000 while sharers or renters will get P5,000 to P8,000 depending on their classification.
Damage Assessment and Recovery Efforts
Of the damaged residences, nine houses suffered partial damage while the remainder were completely destroyed by the flames. The comprehensive damage assessment has enabled authorities to tailor assistance according to specific needs.
The profiling of affected families continues as the community begins the challenging process of recovery and rebuilding. Local officials emphasize their commitment to supporting residents through this difficult period.
