A devastating fire in Taguig City has left 15 families homeless and inflicted a severe financial blow on a local jeepney driver, Joseph Puede, who lost PHP 300,000 in cash. The fire reportedly started around 11 a.m., triggered by an electric fan, and quickly engulfed multiple homes, including Puede’s.
Joseph was working when the blaze broke out, while his pregnant wife and child were at home. In a harrowing escape, his wife prioritized their child’s safety over salvaging any belongings, including the substantial sum of money Joseph had borrowed to purchase his own jeepney. The family narrowly escaped, with his wife resorting to sliding down the stairs to flee the flames.
The narrow streets of the neighborhood complicated the evacuation and firefighting efforts, with residents fleeing their homes and carrying belongings. Additionally, firefighting was hindered by a limited water supply, a persistent issue in various parts of Taguig, leading authorities to escalate the situation to a third alarm to solicit aid from neighboring cities.
The Taguig Fire Department managed to declare the fire out by 12:54 p.m., but the aftermath left many residents without homes and possessions. For Joseph Puede, the incident not only represents a personal and financial crisis—having to repay the borrowed PHP 300,000—but also underscores the broader vulnerabilities of communities in densely packed urban settings.
This tragic event highlights the critical need for improved fire safety measures and infrastructure in such communities, along with better support systems for those affected by similar disasters.