University of Baguio (UB) Fire
February 16, 2008 started as a perfect Saturday — clear skies, the classic northern chill in the air.
Then suddenly the lights went off at about 11:30, almost simultaneously with the all-too-familiar wild wailing of fire trucks. Suddenly, all of us at home receive text messages: UB (University of Baguio) is burning! UB is on fire!
My first reaction? (I know, I know, some of you might deem it uncharacteristic, but I actually am very prayerful) “Lord, please don’t let anybody get hurt… PLEASE!”
Then I think, thank God it’s Saturday! The high school kids are not in class, they do not have any space within their building or the UB compound to be rehearsing for next week’s Panagbenga Street Dancing Parade.
But Don Paule, of the UB Varsity College Table Tennis Team, who had just arrived at my place, exclaimed, “The other players are still there, the nursing students are in class!”
Nico Cawed rushes over to UB with Don to get the players (he trains high schools and college table tennis), and took his new Canon EOS 400D so that he may pose as a media photographer and be allowed inside. The photos here are some of those he took.
As soon as the boys left to try and help out in what they thought were to be rescue operations, Nico’s dad comes by and says his youngest son was in the high school and has been missing. Frantic phone calls. Initial news is that the fire started from the high school building, which is made of wood, and spread rapidly to two other buildings. More fervent prayers.
Then the good news: the fire was still raging but they were able to evacuate everybody!
The Mayor, Peter Rey Bautista (seen in the above photo in a blue vest), was there of course. He had suspended classes city-wide last week when there was a slight tremor allegedly because UB has construction going on for a new building and they were not sure if it was going to hold). There also was his father, Rey Bautista, who went inside and nearly missed getting hit by falling glass and debris.
There were two large crowds gathered outside, at the General Luna side and the Bonifacio side, that were calmly watching events unfold, with students speculating that classes will be suspended in the next few days, or that those who did not fare well during last week’s exams wishing their test papers burned or water damaged right along with UB which has suffered its second fire in 19 years’ time.
(Added: Baguio Midland Courier reports in its 17 Feb 2008 issue stating, “Yesterday’s incident is the THIRD for UB … another incident razed the science high school building and its adjacent structure, near the SLU hospital sometime in 2005.” on page 45)
But this is the typical teenagers’ reactions to calamities, while parents are thanking high heavens for their kids being spared, and worrying about narrow corridors and passageways in the UB compound of 14 buildings built so close to each other. There were teachers and athletic coaches lamenting the loss of their files and computers due to fire and water damage. Former students were there shaking their heads saying UB should be renamed FEU (Fire Earthquake University) because of the 1989 fire, the 1990 collapse of a building where many students were seen jumping off, and now again a big fire in 2008.
In fact, a UB student I know has always expressed concern about the safety of the high school kids in case of a calamity, describing exits, stairways and passageways as narrow, noting that the high school building is surrounded by taller buildings that they have to pass through in orfer to get to the General Luna gate. He studied there once upon a time until his mom moved him to Baguio City High because it was flat and spacious.
Initial news is that the fire started from the high school building (marked in the above photo as 1), and the fire spread to the AMS Building where HRM and Nursing classes are held (marked in the photo as 2), and simultaneously spreading to the next building (marked as 3) where Dentistry, Med Tech, HRM and Liberal Arts departments and colleges are housed.
Of course this incident has sparked a barrage of concerns:
- Is UB safe?
- Had the fire occurred on a weekday, would they have been able to evacuate all 22,ooo students and an almost equal number of faculty, staff, sales people, and visitors, safely?
- Why did the fire start?
- Was it arson or was it negligence?
- Was it intentionally started with the intention of making an insurance claim against the damage?
- Are the buildings in the UB compound built too close to each other so that two other concrete and glass buildings burned, too?
- What can the owners do to prevent such a disaster to their business, and the students for whom they are responsible, from occurring again?
- Where will classes be held? The high school building is no more.
- Should UB have been allowed by the City Engineer’s office to build that many buildings on its property?
- Has the Fire Department certified the buildings as safe?
- Is it not time for UB owners to consider moving their campus from the congested center of town?
This is that once occasion when I will shut up and let Baguio decide the answers for themselves. I am relieved that (edited 2/18/2008) no one was hurt, although there were several people who suffered injuries, from being trapped in the elevators and ensuing panic, there are no reports of any fatalities from the fire.
I am happy to note that the Baguio community spirit played a great part in containing the fire. You see, since Baguio suffers a water shortage, we have many, many water delivery trucks.
Today, they performed as mobile fire hydrants so that the fire trucks and firemen were able to concentrate on their job of dousing the fire and preventing it from spreading further using the steady supply of water they provided. I am proud also that the people remained calm.
Maybe this is a good occasion for each and every Baguio school to create an Emergency Rescue Volunteer Organization that will receive training from the Fire Department, Red Cross (Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon - chairman of the Red Cross - has in his Senate team Baguio boy Louis Pawid III who I’m sure will be more than happy to help, as would Senator Gordon himself who loves these things), Dr. Noli Quirino of the Baguio General Hospital (whom I met at Nevada Square when the Spirit Questors came).
For from the rubble and ashes, a new Baguio spirit can emerge. One that takes life, safety, happiness, fulfillment very seriously. It will also be a time for my many Bautista friends to assess their family business and the direction it should take. I have all the faith in you — Derek, Phil, Diego, Eds, Gabby, Abu, Jozak, Christian, JB, Jenny, Tintin, Peds and cousins for you are UB’s future. It is time for you to take more active roles in helping your fathers and uncles in this endeavor and create a vision for your school. For UB’s success is also Baguio’s success, and vice versa.
There must be some lessons learned from this. And a lot of prayers of thanksgiving that only property was damaged.
A great big good luck to us all!
——————–
Postscript: UB students, here’s great news! Do you realize that Baguio has Burnham Park as an alternative classroom! In UP Law, and even during undergrad studies, sometimes our professors would hold classes outside, on the grass and under the large acacia trees and wonderful discussions would ensue.
You see, your teachers, if they so accept my humble suggestion to continue teaching you using the great outdoors as venue, will not be able to lug around blackboards and spoon feed you with information you have to memorize.
Thus debates, discussions, discourses, analyses will be in order! What a wonderful experience it will be!
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1. Quotes for Posterity: University of Baguio (UB Fire)
I just wanted to say that out of all the sites that I visited, this has been the most informative. I do not have cable at my house so it is quite discouraging that I have to scramble around 10-20 websites (including youtube) to get any information.
Thanks, Karen. We try our best…
Seriously, I think UB management has to take a more radical approach in protecting students. I am a student in UB myself and for a short period of time I spent studying nursing there, I’ve seen tons of things they can work on. One is safety plan during emergencies (drills conducted on a regular basis) will save lives. The design of emergency exits should be improved and fire safety (which by the way sucks big time) should be integrated in all aspect (ironically, this is not the first time UB was on blaze).
I don’t think they are learning their lessons. How unfortunate would it be when a university fails to learn lessons and expects its students to learn?
The facilities are either left to wear down while class rooms are not properly maintained. They spend money for renovations while simple repainting and regular maintenance were unfamiliar to UB management, come to think of it, maintenance would save them half the cost of renovation.
i just realized that I have no idea what is the emergency hotline number for UB. Do we even have one? Does anyone really know what they are doing about the students at the school? Classes and such?
hi lisa,
i manage 2 stores inside building 3 of UB (as marked in the photo taken by Nico). i was a part of the crowd that was evacuated yesterday. i am very thankful that my stores were not burned down. 4 other stores were damaged by the fire.
in fairness to UB, they managed to save the most important of all - life. UB is actually constructing a new building for the UB prep high students in light of the existing (but now in ashes)condition of the old prep high building. unfortunately, disaster struck first before they could finish the new building.
you are right lisa, that there is so much to learn and so much to assess after this incident. let’s pray for the Bautista family, management and staff of UB that they may come out victorious over this tragedy not only for themselves but for the students and Baguio City.
I agree with Jigs. The City Engineer’s office and the Fire Department should not have certified it safe. A keen observation of mine while passing UB grounds for food (yeah snacks) is that they lack that “fire” sprinklers and Fire extinguishers. Any building HERE in THE PHILIPPINES must not be certified if they don’t have that safety stuff. The most noticeable “safety feature” of their buildings is that the “earthquake proof” and that “earthquake evacuation plan”. Crap! What’s wrong with the Philippines? My fellow Filipinos are only performing GOOD when they’re outside the country but inside? Seems that the “talangka” mentality and pride rules us.
Good suggestions all! This is a matter of public safety. There are many buildings in Baguio that do not seem to pass strict tests of fire and eartquake (like ukay-ukay areas like Bayanihan) saftey.
Some are labyrinths! O sigue na nga — fire traps!
When the Ozone Disco burned down in Quezon City, all businesses were re-inspected. When Mario’s burned down on Session Road, they took with them the whole of Manahan Building. When a squatter house on the cliffs of Quezon Hill, it took with it two other houses.
We should maybe start in Baguio with densely-populated buildings such as schools, dormitories, shopping centers and groceries
Life is most important! Just because no one was hurt — this time — is no reason to be complacent. Lucky it was a Saturday and high school did not have classes.
The idea of temporarily holding classes outdoors(for some, provided it doesn’t rain)should come as a welcome treat..pine trees, cool breeze… it might even help students appreciate the gift of nature even more. I so agree that information should not always be spoon-fed, only to be memorized and learning being contained in a 4-walled room. This should serve as a wake-up call to the city engineers for their complacency and lax in giving building permits..and seriously assess the safety of the other structures that are so closely built together.
Grace,
Nico just told me over lunch that you mentioned having moved your stores at UB to a different floor recently! Good for you. I did not think you were in the building during the fire as I keep imagining you’d be in SM instead. Thank goodness it was not all that bad.
It seems the new building under construction has been stopped for some time now because they allegedly encroached into the Notre Dame Hospital property by two whole meters! That’s four meters too much, given the National Building Code provides for a two meter setback on their side.
Something like this does not happen by mistake.
Elaine,
February and March usually promise a lot of sunshine in Baguio. That should allow the kids to finish the schoolyear. Maybe UB will rethink building the high school elsewhere with a campus of ballfields and quadrangles. Otherwise, the kids will expend all that energy elsewhere — like vandalizing walls with spray paint.
I know your kids are still studying here. I’m sure all parents like you will be more conscious about the school premises for the sake of the safety of the children.
i heard they gave UB tshirts away to the emergency response teams? i was like ngek.
i always deemed UB unsafe. buti na lang talaga it was a saturday. imagine if it wasn’t. total chaos siguro. can’t they buy a bigger land somewhere and move some of the students there? instead of cramping them up in a small space?
thanks very much po for the information.i was kind of shocked when i saw bulletins in friendster about UB being burned so i searched it on google and your article is first on the list.thanks again. God bless. Continue the work!
Hi Lei,
There are many rumors going around and in Baguio, rumors tend to be accepted as fact. The most recent that we heard was that eight persons actually perished, suffocated while trapped in the elevator, but we’re checking our sources first. Actually, the newsmen are going around trying to confirm this because talk is going around all over the place.
Nico says he did see men wearing UB t-shirts and assumed of course they were UB staff. Peds was upset the Baguio Fire Marshall was not around but I guess the Fire Marshall can always be upset with Peds, too, because he owns a school (UB) that has apparently had THREE, not TWO fires in the past 19 years!
Hi Jhie,
Actually, the information would have been posted as early as 4pm on 16 Feb 2008 had Smart Bro not acted up on this my side of town!
Yes Lisa, kids are still enrolled there although they spend most times here in Mla.. It is a very small schl located in the basement of Cooyeesan Hotel with 2 fire exits, outdoor school activities are held in the open fields of teachers camp(most of the time)/UC gym…and yeah,the kids are trained to pick up after their trash every time:)Actually it’s one school which prioritizes discipline,char. formation over academics(truly!). I sure hope the Koreans enrolled will be able to pick up a thing or two. I’ve forwarded this site to a good prof. friend of mine, hoping he’ll pass on some ‘wisdom’ to his college students. More power to this blog, Lisa!
this is indeed a wake up call….. while it is true that U.B has been building a lot of new buildings i guess it is just but important this time to also renovate some of those old buildings….. ive never been to baguio for the past 4 years now and im really quite surprise that the highschool bldg.is still there existing as a classroom never been renovated….. part of that building has been used during our time ‘99 and at that very same time we had one famous line on that building that is” isang anay nalang and di pa pumipirma mawawasak na yan”
All I can say is that Its excellent that no one got hurt in that incident but may the people in the higher ups be concerned about what happened and see to it that incidents like these wont happen again in the future because from what is going on, not only in Baguio, is that the younger generation has to suffer the sins of our fathers. It turns out that the people who should have made sure that these incidents wont happen are masochistic bastards.
First of all, THANKS, Lisa, for your S.E.O. (I think that’s what it’s called) capabilities. I checked on Saturday night for news on this, but I kinda knew you had to check your sources.
Second, thanks for a different perspective. I notice the language change. Good going!
Third, A BIG THANK YOU TO THE BAYANIHAN SPIRIT that got everyone near the site help out. I heard from my mom firsthand how BBCCCI members went to their buildings (UB’s closest neighbor) and opened their water sources to protect their buildings. I heard that their management fed all the volunteers who helped out — and they didn’t realize how much stuff they were able to move while the fire was raging on. Some volunteers just “disappeared” after the incident. I heard that the grocery was kept open and the employees didn’t leave even when they shut off the lights and some people were panic buying for RICE.
KUDOS also goes to the “Fire Managers”. The moment the Mayor was informed of the fire, he left CJH.
No one was allowed on that street. Thus, no looting happened. And I think Baguio citizens are naturally honest, anyways.
Water delivery services were able to deliver. (What’s the story with BWD?)
Everyone was evacuated. And some stores were able to move their gas tanks and refrigerators out. (I actually received the news from LAOAG at around 1.30 pm - from a common friend to Grace and me)! Talk about the power of networks!
And THANKS TO NICO for the photos! They’re very informative!
And to all of us, a gentle reminder that “Where there is smoke, there is fire…” May this incident let us be more pro-active in the investigations and further BETTER city planning. Aside from the regulatory Fire Drills every March done in all schools, and the other emergency Evacuation drills (earthquake or bomb threat).
And let’s not forget to Thank God, and Thank the God in all of us!
I’m most concerned about the lack of information. The University’s site is back up, but as of now, has no official statement on either the fire or class suspension. I’m not apt to trust these ‘official UB announcements’ sent via text messages from either my friends or unlisted numbers that refuse to identify themselves. Seriously: we give them our phone numbers and our email addresses for situations like this. When it comes to class suspensions, the burden of information should be on the school. Not everyone listens to the radio (I don’t understand Tagalog).
yes, too many chismis going around. especially how the fire started. really i’m just thankful nobody got seriously injured or worse, died.
and nice camera nico’s got there! haha^^
I was once a College Instructor of UB and I’m working abroad now. I was shakened by the terrifying news I happened to know yesterday. This is indeed a tragic experience for the UB community, however, we still have to be grateful that nobody was hurted. Let’s continue praying for the UB community.
Uhmmm, instead of criticizing UB, why cant you all pray that this incidence would not happen again! It’s not UB’s fault that the Fire had happen. It can also happen to other Universities! It is a common calamity! Have you all inspected UB? for all i know is that UB has a lot of Fire extinguisher, fire host at such in every floor.. The fire only got bigger because the PREP BLDG is made of wood and Duh! IT WAS A STRONG WIND LAST SATURDAY! Uhmm AND about FEU (FIRE EARTHQUAKE UNIVERSITY?) Well duh! is there a school or university that do not experience EARTHQUAKE last 1990??? FYI that was a strong earthquake! even the hotels collapse! I can understand that some of you dont like UB.. but for us UB is still the best! It is the only University here in BAGUIO where we have 40+ Hospitals affiliations nationwide, Out of the Country Affiliations like THAILAND.. and a JOB OPPORTUNITY IN AUSTRALIA, CANADA, DUBAI and a lot more… that’s why our parents entrusted our future to this UNIVERSITY! and for the record, Unlike other schools here in BAGUIO (who enrolled their students at REVIEW CENTER and just focuses on the STANDING of passing rate in the BOARD!), UB faculty and administration focuses on how to improve the “SKILLS” of their students! Im just upset that instead praying and hoping that this incidence would not happen again, YOU all are busy criticizing and questioning the safety of the UNIVERSITY! for the first place, why would the city allow this UNIVERSITY to be build if it was not safe at all? WHY would they allow the parents to enroll ther son and daughters in this UNIVERSITY if it is not SAFE?? come to think of it!
thank you for those who helped.. to all student assistants also.. fire rescuers, staff of the University of Baguio.. let’ just pray that this will not happen again.. stop rumors.. and start a new path again.. to UBHS “kaya niyo yan”
Let’s see how the Bautista’s will show Baguio their sense of rebuilding as an insight to where they want to bring the rest of the city. It all starts with one’s own backyard.
Feels great to see the world with a new set of mental eyes huh Lisa? Nice photos Nico (Panagbenga and these).
hi lisa,
official UB announcement today:
1. classes resume today in the gym for students of UB prep high. they started the day with a mass.
2. all faculty, staff and students in affected buildings will resume their classes tomorrow.
3. nursing students with duties out of UB will go on as scheduled.
these are basically what’s written (not verbatim though) on the tarpaulins posted in front of the UB main gate.
but the school is still awaiting a “go” from the city engineer’s office to deem the burned buildings safe to enter. because classes will still be held in those buildings (most of the classrooms were not damaged). another concern is they have not restored electricity in the 2 buildings that were affected. and no electricity in UB means no water.
When I was a small kid studying at Lab,there are red fire hydrants along Gen Luna near UB. I wonder if the hydrants are still working. Those are collector items and would catch a high price on ebay.
“Cafe by ruins” has one displayed at the entrance.
Lisa:
I have to agree that these “conspiracy theory” things should be set aside, and that the welfare of the students should take priority. I have no love lost for some UB alumni I know, but I must agree that it is one of the best schools Baguio has to offer.
Tintin:
The criticism against UB is not whack: it’s valid. Fires don’t cause themselves, much less the spreading of fires and property damage. I do hope - coming from a “rival school” - that this doesn’t happen again. And I think UB’s board should ensure that this should never happen again: if UB’s campus is designed like that, it’s no small wonder why a fire would spread like that.
My dearest Tintin,
I don’t know you from Eve. Still, I feel the spirit of loyalty from you. It’s your school. It’s got a network with other organizations outside the Philippines (heck, I could count how many parents want their kids out of this country for a better future, so I understand your parents’ choice of university for you). So it’s up to you to study well and get a good job, …
May I just point out that:
1) Not everything you read on this blog is CRITICAL OF U.B. Please read once more, from left to right, top-down, and slowly, how we are all GLAD and THANKFUL that NO ONE DIED IN THE FIRE, etc.
2) I do not doubt at all the existence of U.B. I am a teacher, too, and I believe that students should get good (or quality education) from the school they attend. Students, are after all, the primary stakeholders of any school. And of course, our parents want the best for each of us.
3) Let us give the investigators time to do their jobs. Whether the fire was caused by faulty wiring, or arson, or whatever, let us be patient for the Truth will reveal itself in due time. And at this point, your questions are very interesting, I think there’s a hidden criticism even (Here, I refer to your queries on Safety - for isn’t it often that the answer lies in the question itself?).
Meantime, may I gently suggest the following:
(1) Please ponder on the “BIG QUESTION” that we, as university students answer in our regulatory Philosophy classes: WHY? (in any context)
(2) Do practice the HOW’s in the skills that are being taught to you in school.
(3) Please check if the UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES IS NO LONGER THE ONLY UNIVERSITY THAT IS ACCREDITED WORLD-WIDE FOR ALL ITS PROGRAMS. (Kudos to UB for getting worldwide AFFILIATIONS! I hope that they don’t lose them because some students who go on their OJTs don’t return to the Philippines. And FYI: SLU is accredited in Canada, too.)
Thank you, and good day to you. Shoot, now, I can’t sing “Burn” to you.
Thanks, Grace, for the UB Insider update.
I would like to add that, according to my UB college and high school kids who attended the assembly this morning:
1. high school students will be resuming their classes at the UB gym (may i suggest Athletic bowl as an alternative also in case the ub gym is too small?)
2. allegedly there’s still the risk of falling debris in some other areas in the compound so they are afraid for their safety. I think it’s best to get clearance from the City Engineer’s Office for this reason also
3. HRM students have been displaced by the fire in three floors so they do not know where to go
Tintin,
The UB fire is a matter of public safety and public interest. Maybe that’s why folks are concerned.
The fire also damaged adjacent property below the high school building. Any fire that is not caused by fortuitous events (acts of God) must be investigated.
Should the fire have occurred on a weekday, would UB have been able to evacuate all the high school students given that it took just 10 minutes for the whole place to burn down?
There are many more issues here, dear. UB is the only school in Baguio that had a building fall during the earthquake and it was not at the fault line, like Hyatt was. It is the only school in Baguio that has had THREE fires in 19 years.
Your one question that I agree with: “why would the city allow this UNIVERSITY to be build (sic) if it was not safe at all?”
Thanks, everyone, for your comments. I have more questions and concerns in the aftermath of the UB fire and hope to post them after further investigation. In the meantime, your thoughts on the matter are all welcome as this incident has many implications for the Baguio people.
Just wanted to say kudos to lisa. Finally I found a great site for baguio. A good place to have information of news back home. The Baguio Official site dont give justice to the beautiful place. The slu site sucks even more :).. Lisa how about adding forums on your site. I can offer to help you moderate it.
Hi Dan, and thanks for the offer to help moderate a forum that I actually have in the works. Baguio currently works as a forum where I start the threads and everybody picks up on the same idea, and expound, and sometimes bicker (hahaha!).
It would be great to have other threads started by others. My old fear was to not be able to moderate a forum properly, given the relatively large population of Baguio residents (past and present), not to forget Baguio visitors and lovers.
Your generous offer comes at a fantastic time! Will email you when it’s ready. Thanks so much!
p.s. You may want to check out http://www.gobaguio.com — that’s what started it all for me.
I am glad to help lady lisa.
Email me pls on this email add.
Thanks again, Dan, this middle-aged webmaster is desperately trying to integrate BBPress into this wordpress blog. Gimme a few days!
Hi lisa,
surprisingly after the big fire that hit UB, we, store owners are back in our stores. the students are back in their classes. the school announced that we all can get back to our own businesses today. it should make me happy that i am back in business, but i am a bit worried about our safety. i was told by a UB electrician the day after the fire, that electricity can’t be restored even within 2 weeks’ time because they have to make thorough inspections in each and every floor. i just pray that they didn’t rush things and are risking our safety.
Hi Grace,
I am worried, too! Have the damaged buildings and areas passed safety inspection from the proper government agencies?
There’s no rush to get everyone back in the building. Maybe stress tests should be performed to see if the damaged building can still carry the same load of people and equipment.
Has all the debris been cleared? Even if it is still standing, is there no danger of AMS Building collapsing, or debris falling on people passing beneath it? Are the elevators safe?
The fire department immediately issued a statement that all the buildings in UB passed their requirements for safety, but if that is true, how can they explain the fact that UB Prep burned down completely? Damaging other buildings and businesses, too? Or were they just covering their _sses?
Here’s a memo posted at UB from the office of the president of the University of Baguio RE: Structural Safety of the FB and AMS Buildings of the University of Baguio (dated February 19, 2008), addressed to the Students, Parents and Teachers (posted along the University of Baguio’s bulletin boards).
Based on the results of the inspection done by the experts from the Philippine Institure of Civil Engineers (Baguio City Chapter), the inspectors from the City Building and Architects Office (CBAO), and noted practicing structural engineers from Saint Louis University, THE AMS AND FB BUILDINGS OF THE UNIVERSITY WERE DECLARED STRUCTURALLY STABLE DESPITE THE FIRE AND THEREFORE SAFE TO OCCUPY.
For your information and guidance.
(Signed)
ENGR. HERMINIO C. BAUTISTA
Thanks, Mr Bautista for the info.
Wow, they were able to conduct inspection, testing and all that in just three days after the fire! Good for you. I suppose there’s no further danger from falling debris either.
The students will be so happy to know that despite the unfortunate and disturbing incident, they can resume classes in the buildings even before the damage caused by the fire is repaired.
Sad to hear all this. I am very positive that UB will rise above everything. We owe a lot to the family that has been providing education (since the end of WWII) to majority of those in the Cordillera region. They have produced a lot of Filipinos we ought to be proud of. Magtulungan nalang tayo please. SALAMAT.
seeing our alma mater bursting into fire and seeing it helplessly is pitiful on our part as students as we are powerless to at least share “miraculous” if only we have some amulet to stop the conflagration taking place. I myself as one of the thousands who witnessed the catastrophic event felt totally depressed and saddened by the most unexpected to have happened. But despite all these “challenges” that our reknown university are facing of, I still believe that the phoenix will not stop flying instead, it will continue to rise and sing its victories. Banzai UBians!!!
@precious: How can UB not be criticized when the same AVOIDABLE tragedies happen to the “University of Bautista”. 9 years ago, it was their Science High school that burned. During the earthquake, their structures collapsed as compared to the older buildings in Baguio. Before the earthquake, nasunugan sila.
How can you not criticize the Buatistas for charging high tuition fees but the interiors of their buildings are made of wood???
I mean it was their science high school that burned down.
Hi Janice,
You are correct about “AVOIDABLE.” Whether fortuitous, accidental or intentional, fire is PREVENTABLE.
The Baguio Fire Department was quick to point out that UB passed all their standards of safety. I am worried then that Baguio’s standards of safety might be too low, considering so many lives are at stake.
Three fires in 19 years, UB being the only school in Baguio that has had MULTIPLE fires, with seeming regularity, is worth an investigation, don’t you think?
It is important for the students to feel safe, and for the parents to be reassured that the school they entrust their precious children’s lives to is safety-conscious:
>from the number of buildings in the UB Compound,
>to the number of students and other occupants per building,
>to speed of evacuation,
>to a sufficient number of safe exits to leave the buildings themselves and the compound altogether,
>to the proximity of the buildings to each other,
>to the installation of sprinkler systems and emergency lights,
>to the investment in the proper fire prevention equipment (not all fires should be doused with water — a suspected electrical fire like this one should have been put off by a fire extinguisher),
>to the installation of a fire alarm system.
Only a few things to take into consideration a private business should look into. Imagine if the fire happened on a school day with all high school students in attendance!
And for those who stuff 20,000 clueless teenagers into tree-less and sorry-excuses-for-a-campus building clusters, let no one ever yell, “Fire!” or “Earthquake!”
Left by lisa on January 11th, 2008
Resty, I did say that!
But for the life of me, I cannot remember where or find it.
I do remember, prior to the Baguio PAGASA Workshop alternating between frustrated and hopeless everyday, worrying about Baguio and its residents, and where we would be in a few short years with what I used to call greed, or ineptitude, going on.
After the Baguio PAGASA Workshop, I found that if I want Baguio to change for the better, I must change for the better. My old self might have even crowed “I told you so!” when the Feb 16 University of Baguio Fire occurred (but honestly, I think not).
It’s much better to ask Baguio what it wants to do about the UB fire or maybe HOW TO PREVENT A FOURTH UB FIRE, or how to make our homes, schools, offices and city safe from fires.
Hi.. the ub incident is very alarming. I therefore say that the university will still be able to cope up soon.. More powers to your team and may you all be blessed.
I’ve been watching news and I’ve searched the net about what happened to the University. I would like to know what really happened. Please send informations to my Email. I respectfully recommend that you should tell the truth behind this controversy on national tv so that the people would be able to know.
Ad at the Baguio Midland courier (Feb 24, 2008) by the University of Baguio
OUR MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE…
Truly, the Filipino’s virtue of lending a hand in times of need was best displayed during the recent fire that destroyed the UB High School building last February 16, 2008.
We are deeply touched by the spontaneous concern and support of the Baguio community manifested in countless ways.
At this time of trial, our feeling is outweighted by your acts of selflessness. Our deep appreciation goes to all those who supported, especially the 911 ON CALL RESPONDERS such as…
- PRIVATE WATER DELIVERY COMPANIES:
Sunshine Supermart
Baguio Water District
La Trinidad Water District
Camp 7 Water Delivery
Dickman’s Water Delivery Services
911 Water Delivery
HGL Water Delivery
PIC Water Station
La Nina Water Service
BIP Water Delivery
Demot’s Water Delivery
Dipasupil Water Delivery
TEJ Water Delivery
Mountain Queen’s Water Delivery
FIRE DEPARTMENTS:
Baguio City Fire Department
Camp John Hay Fire Department
DILG Fire Department
La Trinidad Fire Department
Philex Fire Department
Sunshine Supermat Fire Department
Tuba Fire Department
- MEMBERS OF BAGUIO’S FINEST WHO HELPED CONTROL THE CROWD;
- MEMBERS OF THE UB ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, UB EMPLOYEES AND STUDENTS WHO BRAVED THE FIRE TO SAVE WHATEVER EQUIPMENT AND DOCUMENTS THEY COULD;
- THE LOCAL AND NATIONAL MEDIA;
- SPECTRUM RADIO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP AND OTHER RADIO COMMUNICATIONS GROUPS;
INDIVIDUALS WHO RISKED THEIR LIVES TO HELP; and
- EVERYONE WHO PRAYED DURING THE INCIDENT, AND THOSE WHO EMPHATIZED.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU.
UNIVERSITY OF BAGUIO
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.”
- Matt. 25:40
Hi Cristina,
The university copes so well that despite multiple fires it rebounds really fast.
Hello Hedrei,
Well, the Fire Department was quick to announce that UB fulfilled all their safety standards… So now you may ask, what standards? The one that does not require a sprinkler system or fire alarm?
Thanks Bea, for listing all those who helped UB during the fire. Baguio really did itself proud on that day!
Hmmm, just ‘Thanks’ from UB? No “Sorry, we will do everything to make sure we do not have a fourth fire?” I think that’s what the students, parents, teachers, staff, concessionaires, and the rest of Baguio is waiting to hear
To: Miss Marevel Mangallay
I realy miz u so much hop that there is a tym that we meet each other. I love you so much take care alwayz. Godbless and Godspeed!
naku buti n lng at buti pa ay sbd0 bka tlgang meant na sbad0 un mangyari…tnx
Husbon,
How sweet!
Should any of the Baguio Insiders site visitors happen to know Ms. Marevel Mangallay, please relay Mr. Husbon’s message!
Much has been posted about the recent fire at UB. Many comments were made, there were some comments about private water delivery trucks helping out while many were asking what our office did. I haven’t left any counter comments because I was waiting for some pictures to back-up my answers. So here, initially, is a picture courtesy of Roland Rabang showing that while the private delivery trucks were at the Dangwa Station then, our personnel were at the UB grounds nearer to where the fire was. I am also posting, with permission from Roland, an article he wrote for our company newsletter. Just to let everyone know…the office received a letter from UB President Engr. Herr Bautista (who was formerly our general manager, by the way), thanking the Baguio Water District for the help during the fire.
BWD responds to multiple fire incidents in february
February appeared to be a busy month for Baguio fire operatives as they responded to at least three reported separate structural fire incidents on February 14, 16 and 26.
In all of these incidents, crew from different sections and divisions of the Baguio Water District (BWD) were on hand to assist fire suppression operations.
However, in terms of size and magnitude, the fire that gutted a part of the University of Baguio (UB) is by far the most exacting among the incidents reported and involved over thirty personnel from the BWD.
The fire which reportedly started at the second floor of the UB Preparatory High School Building involved the coordinated efforts of GM Teresita P. de Guzman, Department Managers Salvador M. Royeca and Ma. Luisa C. Tenedero and Administrative Division Manager Viveca V. Villafuerte as well as Customer Relations assistant Rommel Adriano who received the alarm and began directing support operations on the ground as soon as the report was received shortly before 12:00 noon on February 16.
BWD personnel and resources were thus mobilized to haul water to the UB fire area, operate valves to direct water towards the hydrants, operate the Amparo and Happy Glenn pumping stations which directly supplies water to the UB area, as well as open fire hydrants.
Responding personnel were, Victorino Zaparita, Victor Bag-ayan, Jonathan Gaviola, Antero Dalit, Tony Willy, Rey Hufalar, Renato Dizon, Robert Panis, Satur Astudillo, Romy Romero, Gilbert Abalos, Johnar Valenzuela, Gilbert Cimafranca, Celestino Centino, Daniel Lomibao, Aris Villanueva, Julio Alabaso, Rogelio Bugaling, Fernando Laguipo, Alfred Tulay, Virgilio Acosta, Michael Sawadi, Pete Bagani, Joel Ayson, Jeremy Pimentel, Rodrigo de Venecia, Ramelo de Vera and Renato Fontanilla.
Meanwhile, the following personnel likewise responded to an alarm received at 2PM on February 14 of a fire that gutted a residence along Tam-awan: Gilbert Abalos, Celestino Centino, Jonathan Gaviola, Noriel Calpito, Daniel Lomibao, Joshua Pamaylaon, Johnar Valenzuela and Eduardo Desierto.
The most recent incident which occurred on February 26 was at the Arellano-Gibraltar area which report was received by Oscar Orpilla and Rommel Adriano at 9:40 AM. Responding in support were Reynaldo Jayco, Jonathan Gaviola, Noriel Calpito, Jonathan Taqued, John Supsup, Gilbert Abalos, Roger Estal, Romy Romero, Celestino Centino, Jonathan Gorospe, Patrick corpus, Francis Calasicas, Mulong Austria and Charlie Cuyopan.
The fire was brought under control at 10:40 AM. Certificates of commendation are being prepared for BWD personnel who responded to these mentioned incidents.**RR
Thanks, Joy, for the info!
Many folks must not know that BWD has water delivery trucks of its own. So I suppose the presumption that it was the private businesses that helped is understandable.
Thank you for performing as mobile fire hydrants!
salamat naman at my nahanap na akong website ng aking mahal na lugar,,”BAGUIO” miss koh na ang baguio almost 9 months na akong wala jan,,hais,,,sorry to hear about UB..sana mas maganda na un mga susunod na buildings noh para masaya..remember “everythings happen for a reason”..so siguro tlgang inallow ni God na mangyari un kasi gusto nyang mapalitan na un old buildings..heheh,,go UB..miss koh na school koh…
Yah,,its true na my safety precautions naman sa buildings ahh,,sa my AMS building..marami halos every floor meron,,siguro un iba di lang tlga nila pinapansin un,hais,,anyways..Good Luck University Of Baguio for the new beginning!!
and nice website ha..who made this?
thanks a lot…very nice…at least kahit malayo ako nakikita koh ang ngyayari sa Baguio…more power…
Shocks!! UBians dont lose hope..Thank God no one was hurt..I just miss UB..
watch out UBians here i come to make you cool out of my fire
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