LAGUNA—Governor-elect Sol Aragones rushed to the Sta. Cruz public market on May 23 after a dawn fire displaced around 300 stall owners. She was joined by Sta. Cruz Mayor-elect Benjo Agarao, Congressman Benjie Agarao, and Board Member-elect Jam Agarao to assess the situation.
The fire, which started around 5:00 AM and was put out by 9:00 AM, left significant damage to the market. Aragones assured affected vendors of immediate provincial support.
“We will make sure you get help without delay,” she told business owners at the scene.
Mayor-elect Benjo Agarao committed to fast-track recovery efforts, while Congressman Benjie Agarao said he would seek national aid for the victims.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the fire’s cause. An emergency meeting has also been set to finalize a rehabilitation plan.