‘Outstanding teacher’ among homeless after San Juan fire

Residents of Barangay Kabayanan, San Juan City, pick through the debris following Tuesday night’s fire. Photo by Joel Torrecampo

At least 136 families lost their homes and three persons were injured in a fire that raged for five hours Tuesday night in San Juan City.

Among the displaced residents was a public school teacher recently recognized by the local government for exemplary service. She would be given temporary shelter at the home economics (HE) room on her campus,
the Inquirer learned.

Senior Fire Officer 1 Noel Binwag, chief of the city’s fire investigation unit, said the blaze started at 9:45 p.m. at the
three-story house owned by Caridad Cruz on Arita Street, Barangay Kabayanan. Cruz’ daughter Marilyn Reyes was reportedly heating water when the flame suddenly grew bigger as she was adjusting the stove burner, the official said.

While Cruz and the other house occupants were able to escape, Reyes suffered second-degree burns in her face and first-degree burns in her right hand. Reyes received treatment at San Juan City Medical Center and was later discharged.

Also requiring medical attention were Eduardo Binacoco, 76, who had difficulty breathing; and Ricardo Perez, 67, who suffered cuts in his left arm.

Meanwhile, Magdalena Rosopa, who last week received the Outstanding Teacher Award from the San Juan city government, was attending a training program in Cubao, Quezon City, when she learned about the
fire in her neighborhood.

Acting Schools Division Superintendent Joel Torrecampo said Rosopa would be allowed to stay at the HE room of Pinaglabanan Elementary School, where she had been teaching for 34 years and was recently cited for promoting reading and feeding projects.

Barangay Kabayanan Secretary Eric Zapanta and the Philippine Red Cross said about 677 people were affected. Damage to property was estimated at P1.13 million, according to Binwag.