Cong. Manuel Sagarbarria of the 2nd District said on Wednesday he was in awe over the outpouring of support from the Dumaguete community for the 500 victims of the fire that razed some 50 houses in his home barangay of Calindagan.
In an interview shortly after his arrival from Manila, Sagarbarria said Wednesday’s fire was the second for his barangay Calindagan in a week.
He said he was saddened by the damage wrought by the fire, and pledged to help the victims by providing assistance to his fellow Calindagan residents.
Congressman Sagarbarria’s wife, Maisa Longa-Sagarbarria, is the incumbent barangay chairman of Calindagan.
Maisa said she is thankful for the many kind-hearted individuals who voluntarily offered food and clothing to the fire victims.
Brgy Capt. Maisa accounted for the fire victims: 59 homeowners, 50 tenants with families, 10 homesharers with families, and 93 tenants living individually.
The Congressman also took the opportunity to suggest to the City to include open spaces when designing urban plans, so as to give rescuers or firefighters some passage to respond to emergencies, like Wednesday’s fire.