A school building was razed after a fire hit Catalunan Pequeno National High School in Davao City while students were lining up for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) registration on Monday, March 23, 2026.

The fire reportedly started at a stock room and spread quickly to the adjacent building around 11 a.m.

School principal Ritchelle Armamento said the students lining up for the SK registration noticed smoke from the room.

Teachers then alerted everyone and led a slow but orderly evacuation. Some students left behind their personal belongings in the rush.

All students were evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported.

“Nagpila sila para sa SK registration. Nakita nila nga nag-aso lagi pagkakita nga nag aso 11:02 nag call na dayon ang teacher namo. Kuan slowly gi-evacuate ang mga bata but Naa gyud mga bata nga nabilin ang ilang mga cellphone,” Armamento said.

Residents at a residential area behind the school were also alarmed by the thick smoke and flames.

Because of the incident, classes were suspended in the afternoon.

Authorities said the building affected was built in the 1990s.

The Davao City Fire District is still investigating the cause of the fire and determining the cost of damage, as of this writing.