Scribd
Upload
34 views6 pages

Gabaldon Schoolhouses Restoration Project

The document discusses the conservation and restoration efforts of the Department of Education for Gabaldon Schoolhouses in the Philippines, which are historic school buildings from the American colonial period. It provides details on the project, an inventory of existing Gabaldon Schoolhouses, annual funding and accomplishments.

Uploaded by

Jeni Gale
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
34 views6 pages

Gabaldon Schoolhouses Restoration Project

The document discusses the conservation and restoration efforts of the Department of Education for Gabaldon Schoolhouses in the Philippines, which are historic school buildings from the American colonial period. It provides details on the project, an inventory of existing Gabaldon Schoolhouses, annual funding and accomplishments.

Uploaded by

Jeni Gale
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION

Cognizant of Gabaldon Schoolhouses’ importance to Filipino education and


culture, DepEd, under the leadership of Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, took
the initiative to preserve their original architectural features and reinforce their
structural integrity. In March 2018, the Office of the Undersecretary for
Administration (OUA), through the Education Facilities Division (EFD), officially
introduced the Gabaldon Heritage Schools Restoration and Conservation Project.

With the support and assistance from government institutions, DepEd is taking all
necessary measures to classify and preserve the remaining Gabaldon
Schoolhouses in all regions. These include the three cultural agencies – the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). the National Historical
Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). and the National Museum of the
Philippines (NM); together with the Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG) and Local Government Units, the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR). and the Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH).

Gabaldon Schoolhouses and other heritage structures that are covered by the
conservation and restoration are:

a. school buildings designed and built by the Bureau of Architecture and


Construction of Public Buildings for the Bureau of Education from 1910 to 1940;

b. ancillary structures integral to the Gabaldon Schoolhouses; and

c. other heritage structures within the school complex.

The guidelines in the conservation and restoration of Gabaldon Schoolhouses


and heritage school buildings mandated in the Implementing Rules and
Regulations (IRR) of RA 11194 of 2019 shall be conformed with accordingly.

As part of the IRR of RA 11194, the Department will implement:


 the standard color scheme for the painting and repainting of previously
renovated, rehabilitated, or restored Gabaldon Schoolhouses; and
 the demolition of nearby structures that obstruct the facade of Gabaldon
Schoolhouses.
DepEd Regional and Division Engineers shall oversee the conservation and
restoration of these Gabaldon Schoolhouses and heritage school buildings. The
OUA-EFD Gabaldon Heritage Schools Restoration and Conservation Project Team
shall provide technical assistance in the preparation of plans and conservation
and restoration procedures. Furthermore, The NHCP and NCCA shall also provide
technical assistance in the implementation of the project, particularly in the
conduct of consultation meetings with stakeholders to explain the importance of
conserving and restoring these historical structures.

The Gabaldon Heritage Schools Restoration and Conservation Project not only
safeguards the schoolhouses’ appearance and functionality, but also guarantees
that more Filipinos will be made aware of their pivotal role in shaping the nation
s public school system. Moreover, it hopes to instill among the younger
generation that sense of place and pride and for them to treasure their time in
these historical edifices as much as their ancestors did.

INVENTORY OF GABALDON
SCHOOLHOUSES
Based on the 2019-2020 National School Building Inventory (NSBI) under the
enhanced Basic Education Information System (eBEIS), a total of 2,045 Gabaldon
Schoolhouses are still existing in 2,304 schools nationwide.

Table 1. Inventory of Gabaldon Schoolhouses per region and their condition

Search:
No. For Condemne
No. of Good Minor Major
Region of Condemnati /For
Buildings Condition Repair Repair
Sites on Demolition
BARMM 37 42 2 11 20 6 3
CAR 69 73 11 8 47 1 3
CARAGA 44 50 12 6 26 1 1
No. For Condemne
No. of Good Minor Major
Region of Condemnati /For
Buildings Condition Repair Repair
Sites on Demolition
NCR 24 24 10 6 6 0 0
Region 1 170 192 66 24 75 4 4
Region II 52 62 IS 12 29 4 0
Region III 128 133 44 22 57 0 1
Region IV- 165 189 78 38 62 0 6
Region IV- 34 41 15 6 18 1 1
Region IX 38 SO 13 9 21 2 4
Region V 91 103 35 17 38 6 2
Region VI 266 321 88 56 153 5 6
Region VII 322 373 95 57 199 8 9
Region VII 126 145 55 24 60 1 2
Region X 110 125 32 9 59 13 2
Region XI 80 84 36 11 25 4 2
Region XII 31 38 11 5 14 4 3
Grand Total 1,787 2,045 618 321 909 60 49
Showing 1 to 17 of 17 entries
The Gabaldon Heritage Schools Restoration and Conservation Project Team
created under the OUA conducts validation and documentation of these type of
school buildings. The objective of the activity is to have complete documentation
of the structures in terms of their historical significance, uniqueness of designs,
and current use and conditions to guide the Department in proper planning and
decision-making under the Gabaldon Heritage Schools Restoration and
Conservation Program.

ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS AND


ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Following the NSBI data, 705 Gabaldon Schoolhouses in 698 sites nationwide
have either undergone or are currently undergoing full restoration with the
utilization of the annual Gabaldon Heritage School Building Restoration and
Conservation Program from 2017 to 2020.

On the other hand, there are 49 Gabaldon Schoolhouses recorded as


condemned. The DepEd Inspectorate Team and Engineers still need to conduct
validation of the actual status of these condemned schoolhouses to delve into
the possibility of their restoration, as some might have been demolished already
since the report was made years ago.

A total of P5.36 billion was appropriated for the last three (3) years in the General
Appropriations Act (GAA) for this purpose.

Once the restoration of these buildings is completed, a total of 705 Gabaldon


Schoolhouses can be used by the learners in addition to the current standard
classrooms they are using. This is if the restored Gabaldon schoolhouse will be
used for its original purpose. Below is the summary of allocation and
accomplishment per year.

Table 2. Summary of Accomplishments under the Gabaldon Heritage School


Building Program as of April 30, 2020

Search:
Under
CY Targets Completed Ongoing
Procurement
Sites No. of Sites No. of Sites No. of Sites N
Buildings Buildings Buildings B
2017 37 37 37 37
2018 277 280 259 262 18 18
2019 260 260 64 64 154 154 42 4
2020 124 128 40 4
Total 698 705 360 363 172 172 82 8
Showing 1 to 5 of 5 entries

COMPLETED RESTORATION WORK


Shown below are photos of some of the completely restored Gabaldon
Schoolhouses across the country, which adhere to the Conservation IRR and
guidelines.

Common questions

Powered by AI

The restoration accomplishments for Gabaldon Schoolhouses heavily depend on the budget allocations from the General Appropriations Act (GAA). Over three years, a total of P5.36 billion was allotted, enabling the restoration of 705 schoolhouses out of the existing 2,045 . Budgetary support has resulted in a significant number of restorations, with completed, ongoing, and under-procurement projects accounting for improved conditions and utility of these historical structures . The availability and efficient use of funds are critical for sustaining restoration efforts and achieving target outcomes.

The Conservation IRR and standard color scheme guidelines have been essential as they standardize the restoration process across the country, ensuring that the heritage structures maintain their historical integrity while being made functional for educational purposes. By prescribing these guidelines, DepEd ensures that each Gabaldon Schoolhouse not only retains its distinctive architectural features but also adheres to a unified national aesthetic . These standards are vital in creating a consistent approach to conservation, fostering national pride, and educational heritage authenticity.

The restoration of Gabaldon Schoolhouses sets a precedent for future educational infrastructure projects in the Philippines by emphasizing the importance of preserving historical and cultural integrity while meeting modern educational needs. It highlights the benefits of incorporating heritage conservation into infrastructure development, potentially inspiring similar initiatives that balance tradition with innovation. The project could encourage policymakers to adopt holistic approaches in educational planning, integrating cultural appreciation with functionality . This might lead to more cohesive strategies that respect historical contexts while addressing contemporary demands.

The restoration of Gabaldon Schoolhouses involves collaboration among multiple government agencies in the Philippines. The Department of Education is assisted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), and the National Museum of the Philippines for technical expertise and stakeholder meetings. Additionally, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), local government units, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) play supportive roles . This collaboration ensures comprehensive efforts in preserving these heritage sites.

According to the enhanced Basic Education Information System (eBEIS), 2,045 Gabaldon Schoolhouses are documented across 2,304 schools nationwide. The condition varies with 618 in good condition, 321 requiring minor repairs, 909 needing major repairs, and 60 marked for condemnation . Restoration efforts have been significant, with 705 schoolhouses either restored or undergoing restoration as part of the Gabaldon Heritage School Building Restoration and Conservation Program from 2017 to 2020 .

From 2017 to 2020, the Gabaldon Heritage School Building Restoration and Conservation Program achieved significant progress, with a total of 705 schoolhouses restored across 698 sites nationwide. Each year saw incremental accomplishments, with initial targets largely being met or surpassed, such as in 2018 when 280 buildings were reported as completed, exceeding the 2017 targets . This consistent progress indicates effective program management and resource utilization within the allocated funding framework.

The Gabaldon Heritage Schools Restoration and Conservation Project Team plays a critical role in the restoration process by conducting validation and documentation of Gabaldon Schoolhouses. This includes assessing historical significance, unique designs, current use, and condition, which guides the Department of Education in planning and decision-making for restoration . Their role ensures the authenticity and informed preservation of these heritage structures, facilitating effective resource allocation and restoration strategies.

The restoration of condemned Gabaldon Schoolhouses poses challenges such as structural degradation, limited funds, and legal or logistic issues regarding demolition or restoration decisions. To overcome these challenges, the Department of Education could conduct thorough assessments to ascertain the feasibility of restoration, explore alternative funding avenues, and work closely with agencies like NHCP for expertise in handling delicate heritage restorations . Strategic planning and technical support will be crucial to navigate these complexities and achieve restoration goals.

The restoration of Gabaldon Schoolhouses contributes significantly to Filipino educational culture and national identity by preserving a historical legacy that shaped the country's public school system. These schoolhouses stand as a testament to early 20th-century educational development, embodying architectural and cultural heritage . Restoring them fosters a sense of place and pride among the younger generation, encouraging them to value and understand the historical significance and cultural continuity in the educational journey of their ancestors .

The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines has launched the Gabaldon Heritage Schools Restoration and Conservation Project to preserve the original architectural features and reinforce the structural integrity of Gabaldon Schoolhouses. This includes complying with the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 11194 of 2019, which mandates standard color schemes and the demolition of nearby obstructive structures . These measures are important as they not only safeguard the schoolhouses' historical appearance and functionality but also aim to raise awareness among Filipinos of their significant role in the nation's public school system .

You might also like