SORSOGON CITY, Philippines — Vendors whose livelihoods were disrupted by the deadly fire that gutted the Sorsogon City Public Market are set to receive a temporary place to continue their businesses as local authorities begin preparations for their relocation.
The Sorsogon provincial government is preparing a portion of the Sorsogon City Coastal Road to serve as a temporary marketplace for vendors displaced by the blaze, which broke out late Saturday night, October 24, 2026.
Provincial administrator Eric Ravanilla told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that heavy equipment had been deployed to clear and prepare the proposed site. The government plans to construct temporary stalls and cement the ground to make the area more accessible and convenient for both vendors and customers.
The construction of the temporary stalls is expected to take around seven to 10 days, according to the Inquirer report.
The move aims to help affected vendors resume selling while the community works toward recovery from the damage caused by the fire.
Five people confirmed dead as authorities investigate
The fire destroyed portions of the Sorsogon City Public Market, raising concerns about the safety of people in the area and the financial losses suffered by market businesses.
GMA News reported on October 25 that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Sorsogon City confirmed five fatalities. The fire reached the second alarm before it was declared extinguished at 2:27 a.m. on Sunday, October 25.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage.
The identities and circumstances surrounding the victims should be based on the latest official statements from the authorities, as initial reports were still developing.
Coastal road to provide temporary space for affected vendors
For many market vendors, the fire represents more than damage to a commercial building. It can also mean lost merchandise, disrupted operations and reduced daily income.
The proposed temporary marketplace along the coastal road is intended to give affected sellers an opportunity to reopen while longer-term recovery measures are considered.
Heavy equipment has been sent to prepare the site, with the provincial government planning to install temporary stalls and improve the ground surface.
However, the planned seven-to-10-day construction period means vendors may still face a period of uncertainty before they can fully resume operations at the new location.
The success of the temporary market will depend on the readiness of the site, the availability of stalls and the ability of vendors and customers to access the area.
Government assistance and the road to recovery
The incident has prompted government agencies and local officials to respond to the needs of the affected community.
The Chronicle, reporting on October 25, said the provincial and city governments would shoulder the burial expenses of the five fatalities. It also reported that the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol had mobilized assistance for affected families, including financial and psychosocial support.
These measures address some of the immediate needs following the tragedy, while the temporary market plan focuses on restoring the livelihoods of displaced sellers.
The full financial cost of the fire and the number of vendors affected have not been established in the reports cited here.
What happens next?
The immediate priorities are preparing the temporary marketplace, supporting affected families and businesses, and determining what caused the fire.
For displaced vendors, the coastal road could become an important step toward rebuilding their livelihoods. But returning to business will depend on how quickly the temporary stalls are completed and how effectively the relocation addresses their needs.
As authorities continue their investigation, residents and vendors will be watching for further announcements about the temporary market, financial assistance and plans for the damaged public market.
