Fire destroys classrooms at Basco Central School, Batanes

A fire on March 16 destroyed several classrooms and offices at Basco Central School in Batanes, leading to the suspension of in-person classes on March 17. Students will attend classes online or through modular learning. The fire damaged 20 rooms, including the principal's office and library. Firefighters extinguished the blaze by 3:38 p.m., with no serious injuries reported, except for a volunteer who stepped on a nail. School officials plan to use the undamaged utility building for classes after inspection. The cause of the fire and damage costs are still being investigated.