THE KAPANGAN Central School in Benguet has restored its Gabaldon Building in a bid to preserve its historical look.

Education Undersecretary Alain Pascua was among officials who witnessed the blessing and inauguration of the school.

“When students can go back to their classrooms, and teachers can physically meet their learners, they will be happy to be surrounded by beautiful architecture – capiz awning windows, exposed beams, calados, all reminiscent of our “bahay kubo,” he said.

Kapangan Mayor Manny Fermin joined other DepEd officials such as Dr. Florante Vergara, Assistant Regional Director-CAR, Dr. Benilda Daytaca, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Engr. Anabelle Pangan, Chief EFD, and Milagros Bolayo, School Head, for the formal turnover and inauguration of the restored Gabaldon School.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed RA 11194 in January 2019 which mandated the conservation of Gabaldon Buildings nationwide.

Under the law, all Gabaldon school buildings “shall be recognized as built heritage and therefore be included as part of cultural properties under Republic Act No. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.”

Gabaldon buildings or heritage schools in the Philippines were built from 1907 to 1946, designed by American architect William Parson. They were called Gabaldons because the bill that called for the construction of such buildings was authored by Isauro Gabaldon.