A recent story from the Manila city government came as a shock to me.
Imagine, Mayor Honey Lacuna and Department of Social Welfare and Development-Manila head Re Fugoso distributed financial assistance to a total of 231 families whose houses were razed in a total of 10 fire incidents taking place one after another in a matter of only 19 days.
This means that on average, one fire hits the city in less than every two days.
The recipient-families, according to Fugoso, were victims of 10 fire incidents that occurred on February 23, 24, 27 and 28 and then again on March 5 (two occurred simultaneously in Districts 1 and 3), March 7, 9, 10 and 13.
Not only is this a drain on the funds of the city government (a total of P2.31 million was distributed by Mayor Honey and Re to the affected families) but is also becoming worrisome.
Of the 10 fire incidents, four happened in District 3; three in District 1; two in District 2, and one in District 6.
It is due to the rather high number of fire incidents in the city that Mayor Honey is strongly urging all Manilans to be cautious against doing things that cause fire and also issued a reminder that March had been declared as “Fire Prevention Month” for it is during this time of the year when the season becomes hotter and thus results in fire incidents peaking.
The lady mayor said that while the cash aid of P10,000 per affected family from the city government may not be all that much, it is meant to help them start anew.
In her short message, Lacuna told the affected residents not to lose hope and be thankful and take consolation in the fact that their families are all intact and unharmed, even as she assured them that the city government of Manila will always be there to extend all forms of assistance possible.
I hope the residents and even the public will heed the call of Mayor Honey and be extra careful about things that cause fire, like leaving lit candles or cigarettes or stoves that are on, overloaded extension wires and the like.
We have heard and read all about these time and again and actually need not be reminded.
By the way, kudos to our brave and dedicated firefighters, especially those who are only volunteers, for willingly risking their lives and limbs just to save lives and properties during fires.
***
Speaking of fire, TXTFIRE 41’s announced that it will be holding its 9th TXTFIRELYMPICS aimed at showcasing and polishing the skills of volunteer firefighters and fostering camaraderie.
TXTFIRE founding chairman Gerie Chua said that they will be having two game events. Event 1 would be Busted Bucket Relay while Event 2 is Blitz Attack 2023 and final rules and regulations will be posted on March 21, 2023.
Chua said that interested teams may register via https://9txtfirelympics.paperform.co/. Slots are limited and shall be confirmed on or before April 16, 2023.
***
Joke (from Jackie Sevilla of Antipolo, Rizal)
Seaman: Maga-apply sana kong seaman
Captain: Marunong ka bang lumangoy?
Seaman: Hindi eh
Captain: Eh di hindi ka pwede
Seaman: Bakit? Yung piloto ba marunong lumipad? Duh!
***
DIRECT HIT entertains comments, suggestions or complaints. Please have them emailed to [email protected] or text 0917-3132168.
