Export-capable co-op loses shop in Pasig fire

Some 250 Pasig residents lost a source of livelihood in Thursday’s fire. —Jodee Agoncillo

A fire razed a two-story house used by a multipurpose cooperative in Barangay Ugong, Pasig City, on Thursday morning.

The structure, which sits on a lot owned by village chair Engracio Santiago on C. Santos Street, was where the Kilus (Kababaihang Iisa ang Layuning Umunlad and Sambayanan) Foundation produced export-quality bags and fashion accessories made of recycled tetra packs.

There were no reported injuries in the two-hour fire that started on the second floor of the house at 4:06 a.m. and spread to a neighboring shop.

Santiago said Kilus, a 17-year-old cooperative established by Alejandro Santiago, had been using his ancestral house for free while providing livelihood to around 250 workers.

Their products exported to 17 countries, the coop employees were working on a batch bound for Japan and France when the fire destroyed their shop, at least 17 sewing machines and three computers.

Investigators  are looking at electrical malfunction as the possible cause of the fire. Damage was estimated at P3 million.