Legazpi city, Aug. 1 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5 (Bicol) has extended financial assistance to 10 vendors affected by a fire that razed a public market in Iriga City, Camarines Sur on July 11.

DSWD-5 Director Norman Laurio said nine vendors whose stores were destroyed received PHP10,000 cash each, while the owner of a store that sustained damage was given PHP5,000.

Family food packs were also given to the fire victims.

Laurio said the assistance is aimed at helping the vendors recover from the financial burden of losing their primary source of income.

Domingo Lamud Jr., a 40-year-old store owner, thanked the DSWD, noting that he received much more than just financial support.

"I am very grateful to the...