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BY JUN AGUIRRE
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Wednesday. September 20, 2017
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BORACAY – Fire investigators estimated the cost of damage caused by the fire in Barangay Balabag on Monday at P10 million.
“The amount may rise as the investigation continues,” said Fire Inspector Sidgie Gerardo, chief of the Bureau of Fire Protection-Boracay.
The fire started at D’ Talipapa seafood market around 4:40 a.m. and destroyed seafood stalls, restaurants, souvenir shops, and boardinghouses, among others.
It also displaced 135 families after their houses were burned down, the Malay Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office said. They evacuated to the barangay halls of Balabag and Manoc-Manoc.
Moreover, several establishment employees lost their jobs. Their employers said rebuilding the establishments will take time.
One of the owners, Relley David, said this was the third time fire gutted his establishment.
On the other hand, American Randall Parker, a Philippine Coast Guard volunteer, opened his hotel – the Boracay Crown Beach Hotel – as temporary shelter for those affected by the blaze.
“At least four families have availed themselves of free rooms in my hotel,” said Parker.
Gerardo said the firefighters had a hard time putting the fire out due to the crowded spaces in between establishments and the narrow roads leading to the fire scene.
For his part, Aklan provincial government security consultant Mike Labatiao said all resorts in the island must have their water outposts and fire hydrants.
Meanwhile, members of the crisis management committee wanted to improve preventive measures against untoward incidents after the fire.
The action aims to stabilize the economic growth brought by the booming tourism industry in the island./PN
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