A former beauty pageant winner died in a fire inside the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) campus in Santa Cruz, Laguna last Thursday, March 13.
The victim was identified by relatives and friends as Trisha Macalagay, former Miss Laguna Tourism Paete 2022 winner and a 2nd-year Biology student at LSPU.
The news was later confirmed by the Supreme Student Council (SSC) of LSPU, where Macalagay served as public information officer.
"With a heavy heart, the Supreme Student Council Sta. Cruz Campus and the Ka-Piyu community wish to give deepest sympathy and condolence to the family and loved ones of our dearest P.I.O., Ms. Trisha S. Macalagay as she stepped her way to our creator," the SSC said in its social media page.
According to initial reports, the victim's body was found inside one of the comfort rooms of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Building.
Macalagay was originally reported as missing after the fire started inside one of the laboratories inside the CAS Building at around 12:43 in the afternoon.
"Employees initiated immediate response; however, the fire blazed abruptly within the second floor of the building," the LSPU administration reported in its official statement.
The fire was finally put out at around 6:56 in the evening.
"The LSPU Management is coordinating with appropriate authorities for the conduct of a thorough investigation for an official report," the administration added.
"We ask for prayers as the affected family and the entire LSPU community go through this challenging time."
As of press time, the school administration has yet to issue a statement regarding the continued operation of the affected colleges or when affected students and faculty can resume their classes.
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