By ERWIN MASCARIÑAS
Correspondent

BUTUAN City – Different groups here have launched a relief drive on social media to help the 450 families displaced by a fire in the city Monday afternoon.

At least 10 campaigns by different groups were launched. They announced on their respective Facebook group pages that they will be accepting donations to help provide for the people displaced by the fire.

The City Social Welfare Development (CSWD) said the fire affected a total of 2,292 people from 450 families in two barangays.  The victims have been evacuated to the covered court and school gym in Ong Yiu elementary school and in the covered court in San Ignacio.

DESTRUCTION. An aerial view of the community flattened by Monday afternoon’s fire in Barangay Ong Yiu and Barangay San Ignacio in Butuan City. The fire, the biggest so far in the city since January, left thousands homeless. Story on col. 6 (photo by Erwin Mascariñas)

Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) president John Young posted on his Facebook page a call for support and donation to help the fire victims through the FSUU Foundation Inc. Urian Tabang movement.

Rock bands in the city also posted their call to help the fire victims, adding that a concert will be held for the benefit of the victims at a resto-bar in J.C. Aquino Avenue on Sunday.

The MindaNowOne Kita Movement, announced a free show on March 13, dubbed as “One for Butuan,” at Robinson’s Place.

The Butuan City Public Information Office asked potential donors to drop their goods at the City Social Welfare and Development Office. Relief items requested included rice, canned goods, plates, glasses, spoons and forks, blankets, and mosquito nets.

Both the Butuan Liga ng mga Barangay and the Sangguniang Kabataang Federation also opened their offices as drop off points for donations.