Fire Displaces More Than 1,000 Families in Agdao; 37 AISAT Students Affected

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An aerial view of the aftermath of the devastating fire in Agdao Proper, Barangay Leon Garcia, Davao City, shows widespread destruction as residential structures were reduced to ashes, leaving thousands of residents displaced and more than 1,000 families affected by the incident. Photo credits to JT Motovlog

October 20, 2026

by Dinize Pradanos and Arbe Jay Polancos

More than 1,000 families were affected by a fire that struck Agdao Proper in Barangay Leon Garcia, Davao City, on the afternoon of October 15, 2026. Among those affected were 37 students from the Asian International School of Aeronautics and Technology (AISAT), who were in the area following the end of their classes.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire broke out at approximately 4:30 PM and rapidly spread throughout the neighborhood. Fifteen fire trucks responded to the incident as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. The fire was declared under control after several hours of firefighting operations, with the official declaration of “fire out” made at approximately 1:39 AM.

 The scale of the fire, as seen from AISAT, just 30 minutes after the initial report. Photo credit: Ron Mante

The incident affected more than 1,000 families, forcing residents to leave their homes and seek temporary shelter in designated evacuation centers. These included Agdao Skate Park, Leon Garcia National High School, Emmanuel Garcia High School, and Barangay Leon Garcia Sr. Gym.

Meanwhile, the 37 affected AISAT students gathered at the Homitori Gym to ensure their safety and verify their condition.

In response to the disaster, AISAT distributed more than 200 relief packs to Barangay Leon Garcia on October 16, 2026, a day after the fire. The relief packs contained food, hygiene kits, clothing, and other necessities intended to assist families displaced by the incident.

AISAT students, faculty, and staff organized the goods to be distributed
ROTC Cadets then loaded the packed goods onto one of the vehicles for delivery
Selected faculty and staff, including students, then delivered them to the immediate community

Continuing its relief efforts, AISAT conducted a second donation drive and formally turned over the collected donations to the affected community on October 19, 2026. Selected student leaders, together with AISAT faculty and staff, participated in the turnover to extend further assistance to families affected by the fire.

The AISAT Spirit. AISAT student leaders, faculty, and staff join community representatives during the October 19, 2026, turnover of donations to families affected by the fire in Barangay Leon Garcia, Agdao, Davao City.
Relief packs containing food and other essential supplies are prepared for distribution to fire-affected families in Barangay Leon Garcia as part of AISAT’s second donation drive on October 19, 2026.

In addition, AISAT Basic Education continued to accept donations until October 23, 2026, encouraging members of the school community and other generous donors to contribute essential supplies for affected families. The initiative further supported the school’s efforts to provide assistance to residents recovering from the disaster.

The fire destroyed numerous residential structures and personal belongings, leaving affected families displaced and in need of assistance. Residents continue to face the challenge of recovering from the damage and rebuilding their homes and livelihoods.