A fire broke out at Basco Central School in Basco, Batanes on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Batanes said the fire was reported at around 12:42 p.m.

Strong winds made it difficult to contain the flames, prompting the BFP to raise a General Alarm and call for assistance from all fire stations on Batan Island.

Teachers, residents, and responders worked together to salvage school items such as books, documents, and chairs before the fire was finally put out at 3:38 p.m.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Father Ronaldo Berber Manabat, Rector and Parish Priest of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception - Batanes, called for unity in helping rebuild the school.

“Muli nating ipakita ang ating pagkakaisa upang muli ay maitayo ang paaralang ito sa ngalan ng pagbabayanihan at pagmamahal gayundin ang malalim na pagpapahalaga ng bawat isang Ivatan sa edukasyon,” he said.

Father Manabat added that those who wish to help may coordinate with Basco Central School’s principal, Ma’am Lany Ugali.

He also assured that the Basco Cathedral and its mission organizations have already prepared school supplies and books for donation.