SENATOR  Sherwin Gatchalian expressed concern for families in Quiapo, Manila, who were affected by the June 4 fire, especially as many parents fear their children will miss the start of the school year due to the disaster.

He noted that the situation is worsened by the lack of designated evacuation centers, forcing many families to rent cramped quarters in nearby barangays for temporary shelter.

To help ease their burden, Gatchalian personally met with the affected families and led the distribution of food aid today in Barangay 384.

He distributed 600 bags of rice to over 500 families who lost their homes in the fire.

“This assistance is meant to provide immediate relief as families begin to recover. While they try to salvage what little they can, they are also facing 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.