DepEd showcases conservation of heritage schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) continues its efforts in the conservation of the Gabaldon and heritage school buildings recognizing its significant part in the history of Philippine education. 

DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that the conservation of the heritage schools is important in bringing consciousness and awareness on the rich culture of the country, saying, “Education is about connecting with the stories of the past. Education is about passing on the core values and knowledge of the past.”

“Almost every school division has an old school building that brings with it many stories of the past. Many parts of our history are conjoined with these campuses and school buildings,” he added. 

In 2013, DepEd released the guidelines on the implementation of the conservation of Gabaldon and other heritage school buildings in the country. Since then, the Department has started compiling a comprehensive listing and mapping of the heritage schools. 

To date, there are reportedly 1,446 Gabaldon heritage school buildings all over the country. Many of them are now over a hundred years old and are considered part of the country’s heritage. It was in these schools that the public education system in the Philippines was born. 

The Gabaldon school buildings were named after the late lawmaker Isauro Gabaldon, who authored Republic Act 1801, which appropriated one million pesos for the construction of school buildings in every municipality in the country.

The education chief said that restoration of the heritage schools is not DepEd’s project alone, adding that while the government will work on the most urgent projects of restoration, DepEd needs the help of the whole community in this endeavor. 

“In cooperation with various government agencies, DepEd would like to make sure that the remaining heritage school sites continue to be part of what our nation will be proud of decades later.”

DepEd is showcasing its heritage conservation program through a photo series of Gabaldon and heritage schools at the Manila Art 2015 from October 8 to 11, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura.