It was his first visit to Iloilo City. As a good host, I accompanied this American touring different places around the city. Being in the construction business, the unique wiring layout throughout the city intrigued him. Like a revelation he made a statement: ‘Now I understand why there are frequent brownouts. With wiring exposed everywhere, you are only waiting for a disaster to take place.’
On June 12, 2015, 4pm, an electrical wiring fault, started a fire and destroyed all the congested houses at Purok 2, Barangay Laserna, Poblacion, Kalibo. The community of 134 families, more than 500 people lost everything. The only thing that they could be grateful for was that fortunately no deaths were incurred. Pastor Marlito Bechadya and Pastor Maricel Bechadya who have 13 members attending Living Sanctuary Kalibo not only saw their houses disappear in a span of less than an hour but also their livelihood projects turned to ashes; grocery stores, fish ball chart, charcoal sacks, etc.
When the news of the fire victims reached the ears of the Mission Pastor of LSBC, Pastor Dong and the MB of LSBC, they made the following decision:
As decided by the Pastors of Living Sanctuary Kalibo, all affected families are to receive a grocery bag which contains rice, canned goods, noodles, sugar, milk for the children, bread etc. The 13 affected families of Living Sanctuary Kalibo will each receive 10 4X4 plywood to help restore their homes. Their livelihood projects will also be reactivated. We thank God we can play a small role in helping the community of Purok 2, Barangay Laserna, Poblacion, Kalibo back on its feet.
Through all this we give glory to God’s grace and thank him for the generosity of the MB of LSBC.
To God be the glory.
