A total of 21 households were displaced, while seven EVSUnistas were affected by a fire that engulfed a residential area in Barangay 42-A, Quarry District, Tacloban City, Thursday morning, November 5.

Based on the initial report of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire was reported at around 10:00 a.m. and allegedly originated from a residential house.

The fire affected an estimated 52 families, or 226 individuals, and left one person injured after it was declared out at around 11:24 a.m.

Moreover, the Supreme Student Government (SSG) has identified seven EVSUnistas affected by the fire as of Friday, November 6, and is spearheading a donation drive to provide assistance to the victims.

One of the victims from the university, Rodjun Mark Bardaje, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) shared the extent of the damage caused by the fire, which destroyed his personal belongings and school necessities, including his allowance.

“The fire destroyed some of my clothes, including my school uniform, as well as my school supplies and all of my allowance. My cousin and uncle, who are also studying at EVSU, were affected as well. Unfortunately, they were unable to save even a single piece of clothing, as everything was burned in the fire,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the Tacloban City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) is currently extending assistance to the affected families, immediately after the fire.

In an interview, Barangay Chairman Hon. Evelyn Magalona recounted how fire responders immediately arrived at the scene, helping prevent the blaze from spreading to neighboring areas.

“Diretso nag-response iton aton [BFP] kay an amon para diri ma-apektuhan an tabok. Ma-prevent gud an boost, nga diri makatabok [an sunog]. Amo an kalayo waray na mag-spread kaduro,” she said.

Moreover, fire victim Annie Ogana recounted how she immediately evacuated with her children after being alerted to the fire, prioritizing their safety as the flames rapidly spread.

“Nakadto kami ha amon sakob, tapos gumuliat nala an akon hipag hin ‘Sunog! Sunog!’ Hadto hito, ginbitbit ko ini [baby] pati an usa ko nga anak. Pagkita ko han kalayo, nagkagawas nala kami kay dako na talaga an kalayo,” Ogana recounted.

Authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage caused by the fire, including the losses incurred by affected residents, as concerned offices continue to coordinate assistance and relief efforts for displaced families.

Article by Carl Anthony Dotingco