91-year-old Cebu church catches fire

CEBU, Philippines – A 3-alarm fire broke out at the San Vicente Ferrer Church in Pitalo, San Fernando, Cebu, on Tuesday, May 3.

Firefighters responded to the fire at about 5:05 pm. According to San Fernando Fire Marshall Inspector Cecil Alicaya, at least 20% to 30% of the church was damaged, based on their initial assessment. Some houses at the back of the church were also damaged by the fire.

“Nagbarug pa man siya. Dili siya totally burnt. Kisame ug ang sin maoy na-consume sa fire. Ang mga bubung kay gabarug pa (The church is still standing. It’s not totally burnt. The ceiling and the roof were consumed by fire. The walls are still standing.),” Alicayan said in a phone interview.

The statues of saints inside the church were also partially damaged.

Fire trucks from the neighboring towns were also deployed to help. The fire was put out in less than an hour.

The 91-year-old church was built in 1925. Locals believe the church to be miraculous. According to local stories, during World War II, when electricity was being rationed in the town, the generator turned on by itself and lit up the entire chapel. This is celebrated by the church as the ‘Feast of the Miracle of Light.’ – Rappler.com