CEBU, Philippines - A Bogo City official estimated the damage to one of the oldest school buildings in the city’s central elementary school, which was engulfed by fire Sunday afternoon, at P6.7 million.
City administrator Max Suico said nine classrooms were razed by fire at Bogo Central School I. Four of the classrooms were occupied by Grade I pupils, another four were occupied by Grade II, and one was assigned to Grade III.
The fire department, however, has estimated the damage at about P2.5 million.
City fire marshal Matt Riel Puno explained that their damage estimate was lesser than that of the local government unit because the building was semi-concrete. It was mostly made of woods and light materials and was built before the World War II.
Puno said they received the fire alarm at 5:06 p.m. and was declared under control about 40 minutes later. He said it was completely declared fire out at 9:06 p.m. Puno said the fire was already big when they arrived at the area.
Fire investigators are still looking into the possible cause of the fire.
GMA Cebu, however, reported that the school caretaker, Helen Conde, smelled something burning before the fire started. It was believed to have been caused by an electrical short-circuit.
Despite the incident, the local government unit did not suspend classes. Suico said the city government will provide makeshift classrooms for 392 pupils affected. Suico said the social hall and the library will be utilized as temporary classrooms.
Members of the Israel Defence Force helped in the rehabilitation of the school building after it was severely damaged by super typhoon Yolanda in November last year. — with Jojo C. Ugdol/FPL (FREEMAN)