Senator Win Gatchalian has pledged to push the National Food Authority (NFA) to address the shortage of rice for some 5,000 families affected by the fire that razed three barangays in Jolo, Sulu.

“Gumawa na ako ng sulat para sa NFA na tuloy-tuloy ang supply ng bigas nila lalo na sa ganitong trahedya. Hindi pwedeng maputol ang supply ng murang bigas. Mahalaga po na mayroong makakain sa murang halaga ang ating mga kababayan,” he said.

Gatchalian was in Jolo over the weekend to lead the relief operations from the City Government of Valenzuela and distribute more than P1.5 million worth of rice to the fire survivors.

The senator praised the resilient character of the fire survivors: “Itong positive na attitude ay talagang nakakagaan ng puso. Kaya nga po pumunta kami dito para makipag-usap sa mga naging biktima at malaman din kung paano tayo mas makakatulong pa,” he added.

Aside from ensuring an adequate rice supply, Gatchalian said he was also looking into coordinating with the National Housing Authority (NHA) to extend housing assistance to the survivors.

“Yung mga tao doon sa mga apektadong lugar, gusto na talaga nila makabalik para mapatayo ulit ang kanilang mga bahay at magkaroon sila ng permanenteng tirahan. Kakausapin rin natin ang NHA para mairekomenda ang possibilidad na mabigyan ng permanenteng pabahay ang mga kababayan natin,” he said.

“Ang target natin ay mapabilis ang pagbalik nila sa normal na pamumuhay. Ang ibig lamang pong sabihin na normal ay kung saan ang mga bata ay nakakapag-aral, ang mga magulang ay nakakapag-trabaho at para maitayo na nilang muli ang kanilang mga tahanan,” he added.

The lawmaker also said he has talked to Jolo Mayor Kerkhar S.Tan to look into the possibility of permanent housing for families living along coastal areas.

The fire hit two seaside communities and razed some 2,600 houses, most of which constructed on stilts made from light materials. Officials have pegged the damaged at P500 million.