Fire Ravages Maharlika Livelihood Complex Basement
BAGUIO CITY — A six-hour fire severely damaged the basement of the Maharlika Livelihood Complex on the night of Saturday, September 2. This marks the second fire to hit the five-decade-old government-owned mall, which the Baguio city government took over in May.
The Maharlika Livelihood Complex fire broke out around 9 p.m. Firefighters faced difficulty entering the building due to thick, toxic smoke, local leaders noted. They finally managed to control and extinguish the blaze by approximately 3 a.m. the following day.
Basement Stores and E-Bingo Facility Affected
Officials reported that the basement housed various textile shops and an electronic bingo facility, which was on the verge of closing in line with the city’s anti-gambling policy. Community members expressed concern over the damage to these businesses.
Historical Significance and Ownership Transition
The Maharlika Livelihood Complex, a landmark at the heart of downtown Baguio City, was constructed in 1982 under the initiative of former First Lady Imelda Marcos. Originally managed by the Department of Agriculture, the complex was officially transferred to the city government last May.
At its opening, the complex was notable for featuring Baguio’s first escalators, now long out of service and beyond repair.
Previous Fire and Financial Impact
This latest incident follows an earlier fire on July 16, which caused property damage estimated at ₱11 million, officials reported. The repeated disasters have raised alarms about the building’s safety and structural integrity.
City Government’s Plans and Financial Outlook
According to Budget Officer Leticia Clemente, the Maharlika Livelihood Complex currently accommodates 958 stall owners across 11,803 square meters of floor space. Since the city took over, it has become the new landlord for these vendors.
Despite past challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the 1990 Luzon earthquake, the complex has proven to be a lucrative business venture, generating approximately ₱20 million annually in recent years.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed optimism, projecting that earnings could rise to ₱80 million under the city’s management. To sustain operations during the transition and initiate refurbishment, the city council approved a ₱25 million interim budget in May.
Urgent Need for Major Renovation
However, local leaders acknowledge that the aging structure requires extensive repairs estimated at ₱300 million to ensure safety and modernize facilities. Community members and officials are calling for immediate action to protect both merchants and visitors.
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