A fire broke out at the Warner Apartments of the VSU Lower Campus in the morning of December 3, 2018.
Almost all units were burned except the furthest left side of the building. Twenty families were affected but no injury was reported. A few valuables were retrieved as authorities are still investigating the sum of properties destroyed.
VSU President Edgardo E. Tulin ordered the occupants not to return to the unburnt rooms for their safety.
As of writing, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) have yet to issue a report on the cause of the fire.
The fire was put out at around 12 PM. The delay was due to the lack of enough fire hydrants in the area and the distance of VSU from neighboring fire fighters.
President Tulin called for a meeting shortly after the fire was put out to account for everyone affected and express his sympathy to the victims. The administration will be aiding the victims temporary housing at the VSU Hostel and Apartelle, and food assistance for a “given period.”
“Naa man ta mga bakante na mga apartment units or housing unit mao ning puy-an ninyo [temporarily]. Basta ang importante ma-accommodate mo. Kining effort sa university would be directed towards what is right para ninyo tanan,” Dr. Tulin said.
(We have available housing units where you can stay temporarily. What’s important is you will be accommodated. This effort of the university is directed to what is right for all of you.)
The administration will also assure clothing, cash, medical, and counseling assistance.
In a statement, the VSU administration promised to rebuild the complex. The old building was built years ago during the administration of former ViSCA President Fernardo Bernardo and has undeniably been needing reconstructions even before the fire incident.
“Warner Apartments will rise again in due course. Built in the 1980s, the complex has become dear to many faculty, staff, and students who found a home at VSU,” the statement said.
Officials also requested netizens to share content about the incident responsibly.
“While awaiting for the official report from BFP and the police, we encourage everyone to refrain from passing on unverified information, especially those that may cast blame on certain units or persons. We also request our fellow Viscans to refrain from posting or sharing content that may cause undue pain to the victims and other people.”
The University Supreme Student Council (USSC) is now accepting donations for the victims. Interested persons may drop their donations via council offices of their respective college.