A fire hit the Zamboanga Sibugay Polytechnic Institute (ZSPI), a school managed by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Zamboanga (TESDA-9) in Kabasalan town.

Students and teachers were quick to save their belongings when the fire broke out.

The fire spread quickly to several rooms. The library and the food and beverage buildings were also affected.

The fire was raised to second alarm before it was put out after nearly three hours.

No one was hurt in the incident.

The damage to properties reached more than P28 million.

The Bureau of Fire Protection said the building where the fire started had existed for several decades.

“Yung building is created in 1947 sabi ng taga admin nila. Made of light materials  ang lahat doon, second  floor at first floor. May nakatambak na papers,” Kabasalan Municipal Fire Station Investigator, FO1 Thadeus Jude Albiso, said.

BFP is still investigating the cause of the fire, as of this writing.

In a statement, TESDA-9 said it is saddened by the incident and lauded the efforts of firefighters and first responders in putting out the fire.

TESDA-9 assured that the school will be able to recover.

“To all ZSPIans—our administrators, trainers, staff, and learners—we assure you: we will recover, rebuild, and rise stronger. This incident does not define us; it will inspire us. Let this setback be the spark for a stronger comeback. We remain steadfast in our mission—because education must never stop,” TESDA-9 said.