By Perla Lena
ILOILO CITY – A fire broke out early Monday morning in a school building in Alimodian town in Iloilo, leaving an estimated damage of PHP14 million, police said.
Capt. Marrion Asparo, officer-in-charge of Alimodian Municipal Police Station, said the security guard of the Alimodian National Comprehensive High School discovered the fire at the stockroom at around 3:45 a.m.
“It’s an old building, subject to renovation. Part is being used for classes, and part serves as a stockroom for equipment and costumes of the rondalla,” Asparo said in a media interview.
Based on initial investigation, 14 rooms, including a canteen and a clinic, were totally burned, while the gymnasium was partially damaged by the fire.
Alimodian Mayor Ian Kenneth Alfeche said the building is about to be condemned but it was delayed due to an election ban. A PHP25-million fund has already been set aside for the construction of new classrooms.
Alfeche added the local government unit will build temporary makeshift classrooms so as not to disrupt the opening of classes on June 16.
School principal III Rumar Cubin said the fire started in the laboratory room of their Technology Livelihood Building and spread fast to neighboring rooms because of the building’s age.
He said in the meantime, they will be using a multipurpose building or temporary classrooms to accommodate learners.
Cubin also called on those willing to help since their supply office, containing all their needed materials for the school opening, is among those affected.
The Bureau of Fire Protection is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire, while the school administration and the local government are assessing the full extent of damage and making the necessary coordination to determine the next steps to be taken. (PNA)
