Baguio City extended assistance to neighboring Tuba town which was hit by a post-midnight fire on New Year’s day.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the Baguio City Fire Station was one of the first responders at the scene to assist their counterparts at the Tuba Fire Station.
City Fire Marshal FSupt Marisol Odiver said she immediately dispatched four firetrucks and one ambulance to the site at Sitio Camp 6, Camp 4, Tuba, Benguet.
Magalong said the Baguio Water District and other volunteers were also on hand to help contain the blaze reported at 1:36 a.m.
The mayor instructed City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Charles Bryan Carame to work out with the city council the approval of P300,000 assistance for the 36 families affected.
In his capacity as Metropolitan Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay Development Authority (MBLISTTDA) chairperson, the mayor met with the Tuba Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council presided over by Tuba Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan on January 1, 2025 to provide inputs on the town’s post-disaster program.
On Jan. 2, the Baguio City Police under P Col Ruel Tagel joined the Tuba Municipal Police Station, local government officials, residents, and volunteers in the clearing operation and clean-up drive at ground zero.
Personnel from the City Medical and Dental Team (CMDT) also provided free medical assistance to those in need, ensuring that health concerns were promptly addressed.
“This collaborative endeavor highlighted the community’s resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity. The clearing operation not only helped restore the affected area but also eased the burden on residents grappling with the aftermath of the incident. Through collective action and cooperation, the community showcased its unwavering commitment to support those in need and rebuild what was lost,” the BCPO said. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
