THE fire that gutted 56 houses and left three people dead in Brgy. Poblacion 2 in Tagbilaran City is the first major calamity that challenged the administration of City Mayor Jane Yap. The lady mayor faced the difficulty with courage and determination.
Unfazed, the local chief executive tasked the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to secure the safety of the affected residents. CDRRMO Head Gerard Lavadia immediately activated the Incident Command System, which automatically mobilized the City Government’s rescue units and communication team.
Once the affected residents were settled in the evacuation center, City Mayor Jane Yap and Sir Chief Baba Yap went to the area and calmed the fire-affected individuals.
Relief goods were immediately distributed. The City Government provided modular tents, disaster kits, pillows, mats, plates, slippers, and medicines. Hot meals and bottled water were also provided. The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) immediately did the profiling of the victims for the calamity assistance. Mayor Jane Yap even issued a call to rally behind the victims by sharing clothes, ready-to-eat food, toiletries, and bedding.
The day after, Tagbilaranons responded to the call and delivered their donations in the City Hall Atrium. Assistance from both the provincial and national governments also came in. Sen. Bong Go and Gov. Aris Aumentado both gave Php10,000 to each affected family, while Cong. Edgar Chatto distributed food packs to the victims. On Christmas Day, City Mayor Jane Yap hosted a party for the kids, with the mascots bringing much-needed entertainment and laughter.
The Tagbilaran City Fire under City Fire Chief SINSP. Ben Bradpitt Lopez released an official investigation report of the incident. The report outlined that a concerned citizen called the station and informed that a fire broke out in Gallares St., Purok 1, Barangay Poblacion. Fire responders were immediately dispatched.
Upon arrival, a cloud of thick smoke was already evident in the area. The firefighters quickly laid hoses and conducted a fire suppression operation. Minutes later, two fire trucks from the CDRRMO and two private water tanks also responded.
Firetrucks from Dauis Fire Station, Cortes Fire Station, Corella Fire Station, Baclayon Fire Station, and Panglao Fire Station were also dispatched for the fire alarm. Fire out was declared at 3:35 a.m. of the same day.
The fire caused the burning of 56 informal settlers’ houses, the majority of which were made of light materials. It also burned one single-family dwelling made of semi-concrete materials, and 75 families were affected. According to a witness, the fire started in one of the rooms in the Baluca residence.
City Mayor Jane Yap thanked the composite team of the Tagbilaran City Fire, Dauis / Cortes / Corella / Baclayon / Panglao Fire Units, City PNP, SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics), Tagbilaran CDRRMO, City General Services Office, Barangay Poblacion Dos Council, Philippine Coast Guard, Alturas Firetruck, Tarsier 117, Red Cross, and the Provincial Government of Bohol for the immediate assistance. (Jeanette Busano)
