Senator Win Gatchalian expressed concern for the families in Quiapo, Manila, who were affected by the June 4 fire, noting that parents are particularly worried their children might miss school as a result of the disaster.

According to Gatchalian, the situation is made worse by the lack of designated evacuation centers, forcing many families to rent cramped spaces in nearby barangays just to secure temporary shelter.

To help ease their burden, Gatchalian personally met with the affected families and led the distribution of food assistance today at Barangay 384. He handed out 600 bags of rice to over 500 families who lost their homes in the blaze.

“This assistance is meant to provide immediate relief as families begin to recover. While they try to salvage what little they can from the fire, they are also faced with the challenge of preparing their children for the opening of classes,” Gatchalian said.

“Bigyan natin sila ng pag-asa para sa kanilang pagbangon, at ng pangako na hindi natin sila pababayaan. Dapat nating tiyakin na natutugunan ang kanilang mga pangunahing pangangailangan,” he added.