DepEd affirms conservation of heritage schools

MANILA, Philippines - Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Armin Luistro has pledged to continue their efforts in preserving heritage school buildings as significant parts of the history of the Philippines.

“Education is about connecting with the stories of the past. Education is about passing on the core values and knowledge of the past,” the education chief said in a statement yesterday.

“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.

Luistro stressed that the conservation of heritage schools is important in promoting consciousness and awareness of the country’s rich culture.

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.

Gabaldon refers to the types of schoolhouses built in the country in the early 20th century.

It was named after the late lawmaker Isauro Gabaldon, who authored Republic Act 1801, which appropriated P1 million for the construction of school buildings in every municipality in the country.

DepEd said there are around 1,440 documented Gabaldon heritage school buildings all over the country, which are undergoing restoration through efforts initiated by the department.

Luistro also urged other members of the community to take part in the endeavor to restore these school buildings.

“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,” he said.

DepEd is showcasing its heritage conservation program through a photo series of Gabaldon and other heritage schools at the Manila Art 2015 at the SM Aura’s SMX Convention Center in Taguig until tomorrow.