More than P12.6 million in relief assistance has been extended to families affected by thick haze from landfill fires in Navotas City and Daet, Camarines Norte, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Data from the agency’s Disaster Response Operations Management, Information, and Communication (DROMIC) Division showed that thousands of residents were affected by lingering smoke and poor air quality.
In Navotas, a fire at a 43-hectare former landfill broke out on April 10 and reignited two days later, affecting 11,599 families or 36,714 individuals across seven barangays in Obando, Bulacan.
The incident forced 169 families, or 476 individuals, to evacuate and temporarily stay at Obando National High School due to respiratory health risks.
The DSWD, in coordination with local authorities, has delivered over P10.6 million worth of assistance, including family food packs, hot meals, and essential non-food items.
The Bureau of Fire Protection said the blaze was difficult to extinguish due to smoldering conditions and methane gas buildup from decomposing waste, which fueled the fire.
The resulting haze also affected nearby areas, with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reporting reduced air quality in parts of Pasay and Valenzuela.
In Daet, a separate fire at the Bibirao Dumpsite in Barangay Bibirao on April 22 affected 3,503 families, or 17,515 individuals, across three barangays.
At least five families, or 25 individuals, were displaced and sought temporary shelter with relatives and friends.
The DSWD has released over P2 million in aid to affected residents in the area, including food packs and other relief items.
Although the fire in Daet was brought under control on the same day, authorities said thick haze persisted and spread to nearby communities, reaching the town center.
Local officials raised the town’s emergency alert to Blue status and activated health, environmental, and disaster response units to coordinate assistance and monitor the situation.
The DSWD said it continues to work with local governments to ensure affected families receive timely support as cleanup and recovery efforts continue.