A local artist from General Santos City lost his art sign store and printing machines after a fire broke out on Bañias Street, Barangay South, on Sunday night.
The victim, identified as Arnel Guarino, emotionally showed his burned piggy bank — his hard-earned savings that turned to ashes during the blaze.
Despite the tragedy, Guarino found comfort knowing his pet chickens survived, describing it as a small sign of hope after losing his business.
According to witnesses, the fire started amid a brownout, and investigators suspect an unattended candle may have caused the flames to spread rapidly.
Firefighters from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Gensan quickly responded to the alarm and worked to stop the fire from reaching nearby homes.
Authorities confirmed that the blaze destroyed valuable art materials and printing equipment used for the victim’s sign-making and design work, leaving him with severe losses.
The estimated damage has yet to be finalized as the investigation into the incident continues.
Residents in the area extended assistance to Guarino, providing temporary support and essentials while he recovers from the loss of his livelihood.
The BFP once again reminded the public to stay alert during power outages and avoid leaving open flames unattended to prevent similar incidents.
Guarino’s story reflects the resilience and faith of small business owners who rise again despite life’s unexpected trials.
