CEBU CITY, Philippines – At least 122 residents were left homeless after a fire hit 17 houses in Barangay Cogon-Pardo, this city, last Christmas Day Senior Fire Officer 2 Victoriano Mercado said no one was reported injured or missing during the fire that was tapped at 3:37 p.m. in Sitio Apple.

The fire damaged property worth an estimated P900,000, Mercado said.

The Cebu City Fire Department dispatched about 11 firetrucks while other firefighters from civilian organizations, Talisay City and other barangays in Cebu City also came to give support.

Barangay Cogon-Ramos Capt. Eugenio Gabuya Jr. suspects illegal wire connections, which he heard are rampant in the affected sitio, caused the fire.

Tents were put up to temporarily shelter those who were affected in the blaze, Gabuya said. (Mars W. Mosqueda, Jr.)

MORE P.A. COMMUNITY WORK IN 2011

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – A military brigade operating in Samar will be conducting more community activities in 2011. This, according to Colonel Alex Albano, 801st brigade commander, of the 8th infantry division (8ID), Philippine Army, during a talk with media in his headquarters in Camp Daza, Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan Samar.

He said that as part of their efforts in counter insurgency operations, his unit will be conducting more community activities next year particularly medical missions to hinterland barangays to serve the medical needs of the people.

Albano explained that his brigade has programmed more medical missions for 2011 and the medical and dental care program being implemented by his brigade is part of its community outreach programs to support the program of the government in alleviating the health problems of impoverished citizens in far flung areas, mostly in coordination with other government agencies and the private sector here.

Albano said supplies and medicines needed by their medical missions will be provided for by his brigade, LGUs, other government agencies, other local donors and from several pharmaceutical companies from Manila donating medicines and other medical supplies. (Restituto A. Cayubit)

IWAS PAPUTOK FOCUSED ON KIDS

KALIBO, Aklan, Philippines (PIA) — The Department of Health (DoH) is training its sights on protecting children from being injured by firecrackers and fireworks as the country celebrates Christmas and New Year.

In Aklan, the “IWAS Paputok” 2010 campaign of the DoH is being assisted by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) here through radio interviews and distribution of Information Education Communication (IEC) materials to create awareness among Aklanons on the danger of firecracker injuries as well as how to properly light firecrackers to avoid injuries. According to PHO-Aklan, parents must never allow small children to handle fireworks.

Parents should not also light firecrackers when they are under the influence of liquor or alcohol.

The PHO also reminded the public not to hold firecrackers while lighting them. Instead, a lighted end of a stick should be used.

Fireworks should also not be used indoors, and should be kept away from flammable substances or materials.

Pyrotechnic devices like fountains and crying cows should not be bent directly while being lighted, while fireworks should never be altered in any way.