BY GEROME DALIPE IV and MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – Acting Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon has called on the public to extend assistance to 57 families comprising 240 individuals affected by fire that struck Barangay San Pedro in Molo district yesterday afternoon.
“It is with a heavy heart that I address the unfortunate fire incident,” he said, assuring the victims that the city government has mobilized resources to provide support and relief.
The fire, which broke out at 12:22 p.m., was raised to a fourth alarm and was declared under control at 2:05 p.m. It caused extensive damage, with 46 houses completely destroyed and two partially damaged.
The city government is coordinating with the affected families to ensure their immediate needs are addressed, including temporary shelter, food, and other forms of aid.
Molo 1 Elementary School served as the evacuation center.
The fire reportedly started at the home of a certain Oling Estrada, though the exact cause has yet to be determined by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Two children, initially feared trapped in the blaze, were later confirmed to have safely escaped the fire.
In addition, three individuals reported feeling unwell due to the fire. One of them, identified as Jennifer Molo, the 51-year-old secretary of Barangay San Pedro, fainted after inhaling heavy smoke while checking on a relative’s home that was affected by the fire. She was quickly assisted by responding teams and taken to the evacuation center for first aid treatment.
As of 3 p.m., the BFP was still ascertaining the cause of the fire and working to determine the financial impact of the incident.
Ganzon appealed to the generosity of Ilonggos, encouraging them to contribute any assistance they can to help the victims rebuild their lives.
“I urge everyone to extend a helping hand to the families who have lost their homes. Your compassion and generosity will make a significant difference as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives,” he said.
He emphasized that, together with Mayor Jerry Treñas, the city government is committed to coordinating with all relevant agencies and stakeholders to address the immediate needs of the affected families.
“We will also work towards long-term solutions to prevent such incidents in the future,” Ganzon added.
Ganzon also called for unity and resilience in the face of the tragedy, saying, “Let us remain united and resilient in the face of this adversity. As always, we are one community, ready to support each other in times of need.”
In addition, Ganzon expressed his deepest gratitude to the brave responders who played a crucial role during the fire incident in Barangay San Pedro, Molo.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to our brave responders, including the Bureau of Fire Protection, Federation Fire Volunteers, Metro Pacific Iloilo Water, the City Health Office, and all partners who immediately took action,” Ganzon said.
“Your efforts in fire suppression, medical aid, and logistical support have been instrumental in preventing further loss and ensuring the safety of the affected individuals,” he added.
Metro Pacific Iloilo Water deployed four water tankers, which delivered a total of 28 tons, or 28,000 liters, of water to support the Bureau of Fire Protection in their efforts.
In addition, the water utility is providing a static tank with a 2,000-liter capacity to ensure a continued supply of drinking water at Molo I Elementary School for the affected families and responders.
Ganzon assured the public that the city government is mobilizing all necessary resources to support the displaced families.
“We have activated our social welfare and health teams to provide temporary shelter, food, medical assistance, and counseling services. Static water tanks with a capacity of 2,000 liters are also being provided at Molo I Elementary School to ensure access to safe drinking water,” Ganzon added./PN
