Sept. 9, 2025 – The city government has ensured prompt action on the fire-stricken Maharlika Livelihood Complex (MLC) to ensure immediate resumption of operation of stalls untouched by the blaze as well as the clean-up and restoration of the basement where around 65 stalls were gutted by the fire that broke out around 9 p.m. last Sept. 6, 2025.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong said this is to prevent prolonged stoppage of operation of businesses in areas that are safe which would have meant loss of income for the tenants.
“We want them to bounce back and return to normal operations as soon as possible,” he said.
The clean-up of the unburnt upper floors of the building began in the afternoon of Sept. 7 led by some 50 personnel from the Baguio City Police Office providing assistance to the tenants.
The City Buildings and Architecture Office under Building Official Arch. Johnny Degay also promptly checked and ensured the integrity of the structure while the Benguet Electric Cooperative Inc. (BENECO) under General Manager Engr. Melchor Licoben fast tracked the restoration of the power supply.
These were done while investigation of the incident and assessment of the damages by the Baguio City Fire Station under City Fire Marshal F Supt. Mark Anthony Dangatan was still ongoing.
True enough because later on the same day, MLC Administrator Arthur Allad-iw announced the resumption of the regular business operations starting Sept. 8, except for the basement and a portion of the lobby, subject to safety and security regulations.
For the basement tenants and employees directly affected, the City Social Welfare and Development Office also ensured quick assistance in collaboration with the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development Cordillera (DSWD-CAR).
Profiling of tenants and workers began immediately the following day to ensure timely and suitable social services that address their immediate and long-term needs.
“Tenants and employees were suddenly displaced, resulting in loss of business capital, destruction of merchandise, and disruption of livelihood and we conducted profiling to determine the extent of the impact and design appropriate interventions for recovery and rehabilitation,” CSWD Officer Liza Bulayungan said.
With the guidance of the BCFS, clearing of the basement also began soon and was still ongoing on Sept. 10 with the BCPO, City Engineering Off ice, General Services Office ,City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Public Order and Safety Division and the MLC administration.
Dangatan declared the fire under control at 3:56 a.m. and fully extinguished at 5:04 a.m. on Sept. 7.
Mayor Magalong thanked all the responders including the fire stations from the BLISTT and private entities and individuals who provided assistance in the firefighting operations.
The mayor also lauded the Baguio City Fire Station led by Dangatan for a job well done.
“You and your teams did a great and incredible job risking their lives to perform their duty. You make this City and its people feel safe knowing that you are always quick to respond whenever we have fires. Keep up the good work,” he said. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
