MANILA — A fire gutted down the University of the Philippines (UP) Shopping Center in Diliman, Quezon City Thursday morning.
The fire, which reached second alarm status at 7:36 a.m., was contained by Bureau of Fire Protection personnel before 9 a.m.
The blaze engulfed the whole shopping center, or SC as fondly called by UP students and alumni.
The SC, which was built in the 1940’s, houses photocopying stalls, bookstore, souvenir shops, and several restaurants, including the iconic and popular Rodic’s Diner.
Meanwhile, stall owners, students, and alumni expressed regret over the fire incident.
A number of stall owners were crying as they were trying to save photocopy machines and other merchandise.
One of the concessionaires cried upon learning that all her goods have turned into dust.
“Ipinundar namin yan, pinagkahirapanan namin yan ipundar. Nagsisikap kami para diyan ‘tas makikita na lang naming nasusunog na lang siyang ganyan, wala kaming magawa (We invested on that, we worked hard to invest on that. We’re persevering then we’ll see now that it’s already on fire, there’s nothing we can do),” she said.
Students and alumni continue to express their “feeling of loss” via tweets online.
An alumnus tweeted it is like losing a loved one and all good memories that have shaped your life.
According to @charmanalo, “It feels like an old friend suddenly passed away. thank you, UP Shopping Center. You served the community well for decades.”
Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the fire and the estimated cost of damage. (Aerol John Pateña and Ma. Teresa Montemayor/PNA)
