The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas (DSWD 6) has mobilized significant resources to support families devastated by a recent fire in Iloilo City. As of 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the agency has extended a total of P1,146,211.18 in humanitarian assistance to 387 individuals from 113 families affected by the blaze in Barangay Benedicto, Jaro District.
Immediate Response and Government Directives
DSWD 6 Director Joselito Estember emphasized that the agency's rapid response aligns with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian. "In line with the directives of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, DSWD continues to closely monitor the situation and extend necessary support to the affected families," Estember stated. He further assured that relief assistance and other interventions "will remain readily available" with a commitment that no family would be left behind during this crisis.
Impact Assessment and Evacuation Status
According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center Report 01, the fire impacted one local government unit specifically Barangay Benedicto. The incident resulted in:
- 387 persons or 113 families affected
- 315 individuals from 88 families currently staying in two open evacuation centers
- 72 persons from 25 families temporarily sheltered with relatives or friends outside evacuation centers
- 86 houses completely destroyed and 4 damaged
Comprehensive Assistance Breakdown
The humanitarian aid distributed includes both material support and psychosocial interventions. DSWD 6 has provided P692,194.18 worth of assistance comprising:
- 323 non-food items valued at P510,196
- 106 ready-to-eat food items worth P91,524
- 106 family food packs valued at P90,474.18
Additional support from the local government unit amounting to P454,017 brings the total humanitarian assistance from all partners to P1,146,211.18.
On-the-Ground Leadership and Psychological Support
Director Estember personally visited the Barangay Benedicto evacuation center to assess conditions and ensure immediate assistance delivery. Through the Iloilo Quick Response Team led by Team Leader Richard Sevilla, DSWD 6 conducted thorough on-site assessments and provided psychological first aid to help residents cope with the emotional trauma of losing their homes.
"The affected families were immediately assessed to determine their urgent needs, while Psychological First Aid was administered to help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the incident," the agency reported. DSWD 6 continues coordinating with local government units to monitor displaced families and ensure all basic needs are adequately addressed throughout the recovery process.
