ALIMODIAN, Iloilo — The Department of Education (DepEd) is seeking the immediate release of over P4.19 million in emergency funds to begin rehabilitation efforts at Alimodian National Comprehensive High School (ANCHS), following a fire that ravaged key school facilities and left an estimated P14 million in damages.
A high-level assessment team led by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ernesto Servillon Jr. visited the school on June 3, a day after the early morning blaze destroyed at least 14 rooms, including classrooms, offices, and the school canteen.
The inspection team included Dr. Leonerico Barredo, chief of the Regional Education Support Service Division, and disaster response officers from DepEd Region 6.
The team finalized a rehabilitation proposal anchored on the Regional Standby Response Fund worth P4,192,786.32, now awaiting approval from the DepEd Regional Office.
The proposed package includes:
* Immediate clearing of debris and hazardous materials
* Construction of 10 temporary learning spaces
* Provision of 10 teachers’ kits and 10 play kits
* Installation of temporary water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities
“Every minute counts in restoring normalcy for our affected students,” said Dr. Servillon. “The temporary classrooms will serve as a stopgap solution while we work on long-term rebuilding.”
Classes in all public schools across the country resume on June 16.
During the visit, the DepEd delegation also met with Alimodian’s Mayor Ian Kenneth Alfeche to coordinate national and local recovery efforts.
“The municipal government stands ready to provide any necessary support to fast-track the school’s rehabilitation,” said Mayor Alfeche.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Alimodian, the fire broke out at around 3:45 a.m. on June 2. It was first noticed by the school’s security guard.
The blaze, believed to have originated from the Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) building, quickly spread to adjacent structures made of wood and other light materials.
Among those destroyed were five classrooms, the canteen, clinic, band room, supply office, and both the TLE and MAPEH (Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health) offices. The school gym sustained partial damage.
School principal Rumar Cubin said the fire spread rapidly due to the dilapidated condition of the buildings, which were already marked for replacement. He appealed to the public and private sector for help in replenishing lost educational supplies.
Initial findings point to a possible electrical cause, though the BFP is conducting a full investigation to confirm the source of the blaze./PN
