MANILA — Around 2,000 families displaced by a fire that hit a residential community in Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City received relief assistance from the government.

The aid distribution was carried out by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Quezon City local government in line with the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide immediate support to affected residents.

According to the PCSO, 2,000 “charitimba” (charity pails) containing food and other basic supplies, along with modular tents, were handed out at the Quezon City Hall grounds. The activity was supervised by Joy Belmonte, PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles, and MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III.

The fire started at around 9:01 p.m. on Friday and escalated to Task Force Bravo at 11:18 p.m., prompting the deployment of at least 28 firetrucks. Authorities declared the blaze under control at 5:16 a.m. Saturday.

“Our teams worked closely with the local government to help ensure that immediate assistance reached the affected families,” Robles said.

“The MMDA remains ready to assist local governments during emergencies. Through our coordination with Quezon City and PCSO, we hope to provide temporary shelter and support for families while other relief efforts continue,” Torre, who brought the modular tents for affected families, said.

The relief goods were intended for 1,907 families currently staying in temporary shelters such as Flora Ylagan High School, the Pinyahan covered court, San Isidro Labrador Parish, the NIA covered court, Pinyahan Elementary School, the National Housing Authority Balik-Probinsya covered court, and the National Power Corporation compound.