Impact Story | Emergency Support in the Philippines

Emergency support following a devastating fire

Cebu City, the Philippines

Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation, Philippines Inc

On 16 May 2026, a devastating fire tore through an informal settlement located along Port Sidewalk, Barangay Tejero, Cebu City. This resulted in the displacement of 247 families (approximately 945 individuals), many of whom participate in education-based projects delivered in partnership by Edmund Rice Ministries and Edmund Rice Foundation.

The majority of families are temporarily staying in a public school evacuation area where makeshift tents are being used. However, conditions remain extremely difficult, particularly for children, women, and older persons, due to poor ventilation, overcrowding, limited sanitation facilities, and heightened exposure to health risks.

Families will need to relocate at the commencement of the new school year in June, creating further uncertainty for those affected.

The local government has provided ready-to-eat food assistance and is prioritising cash support intended for shelter recovery and rebuilding efforts so families can eventually return to the area. However, support for immediate daily necessities remains limited.

Edmund Rice Foundation has provided $8,500 in emergency funding for:

> Clothing and basic personal items
> Food assistance for at least the next 10 days
> Safe drinking water
> Hygiene kits, including sanitary supplies for women and girls
> Sleeping mats, blankets, and other basic bedding materials

Since relief efforts commenced:

>Emergency relief packs have been distributed to 200 fire-affected families.
>Needs assessment and procurement of relief items (including school supplies, clothing, hygiene items, and sleeping gear) has been completed.
>Volunteers have mobilised from partner communities, particularly FEEL Project cluster leaders and members.
>Volunteers have been instrumental in preparing daily nutritious meals based on menus approved by Local Government Nutrition Volunteers. Food assistance is planned to continue until 4 July 2026.
>School supplies were provided to 167 children affected by the fire disaster, from Grades 1 to 10, including one white T-shirt to support school uniform requirements. This intervention was prioritised to coincide with the opening of the Philippine school year on 8 June 2026.
>Family hygiene kits and sleeping gear are being prepared and distributed.
>ERMFPI is coordinating with local partners to facilitate post-disaster psychosocial support, including Psychological First Aid (PFA) and other appropriate interventions for affected families and children.

You can help

This devastating fire has caused uncertainty with housing and has put pressure on securing daily necessities. Together, we can help lift families from poverty.

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