MANILA, December 31, 2012-Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada spent an afternoon during the New Year’s Eve with the homeless families affected by the tragic fire incident which happened on the early dawn of Christmas day.
Sen. Estrada conducted a relief operation today in San Juan City Sports Arena for scores of affected residents of Brgy. St. Joseph. The nearby Brgy. Corazon de Jesus basketball court serves as temporary shelter for approximately 1,400 families or an estimated 6,000 individuals who were rendered homeless for the holiday season because of the fire.
St. Joseph covered court and Pinaglabanan Elementary School also serve as evacuation and relief centers for more than 400 families. Initial reports from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) indicate at least 1,700 families all in all were displaced due to the incident.
Former President Joseph Estrada, with the local government, previously announced resettlement and housing plans and procedure for the affected residents. Meanwhile, the local government has launched a 10-day provision of meals, medical station, tents, among others.
Jinggoy, who served as Vice Mayor and Mayor of San Juan City for three consecutive terms, immediately organized a relief operation and dispatched relief items last December 25. Sen. Estrada was then joined by his wife Precy and eldest daughter Janella in the distribution of basic necessities, as they visited the site of ruins and surveyed of the damage brought about by the fire.
In the past few days leading to today’s activity, Sen. Estrada provided cooked meals, blankets and other useful materials to the families.
“Napakalungkot ng nangyari sa mga taga-San Juan. Kung kailan pa naman dapat masayang nagdiriwang ng Pasko at Bagong Taon nawalan sila ng tahanan at mga ari-arian. Ilang araw bago nangyari ang trahedya ay nakapagsagawa pa kami ng aming taunang Christmas gift-giving para sa mga taga-St. Joseph sa ilalim ng parehong covered court na ngayon ay pansamantala nilang tirahan,” Sen. Estrada laments.
One of Jinggoy’s Senate staff was also one of those who lost his home during the incident.
Sen. Estrada was assisted by DSWD-San Juan Chief Jessica Quitor, Arena Manager Lyn Manansala, Public Order and Safety Office Chief Rene Ramos, Brgy. St. Joseph Captain Nelly Duka and council.
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