SAVING THE GABALDON SCHOOLS
USC architects push for preservation of American-era school
THE Gabaldon school buildings must be preserved and restored because they are part of Filipino heritage.
This was the message of Architects Neil Andrew Menjares, of the University of San Carlos (USC) School of Architecture, and Danilo V. Ravina, director of the USC Institute for Planning and Design.
Menjares talked about Gabaldon restoration and preservation, while Ravina discussed the Gabaldon School and Green School building concepts.
The Gabaldon buildings, built with the first flooring elevated four feet from the ground, were named in honor of the late Assemblyman Isauro Gab- aldon, who was a lawmaker from 1907-1912.
At that time, the Philippines was under the rule of the United States. The American occupation was from 1899 to 1935.
William Parsons, an American, was assigned to design public schools.
Elevated
There are Gabaldon school buildings in the municipalities of Asturias, Argao, Alegria, Madridejos, Pinamungajan, Carmen and other areas which were already restored with the assistance of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Rafi), the Cebu Provincial Government and local government units (LGUs).
Each Gabaldon building is elevated from the ground due to humidity and to protect it from floods. It has a two-meter wide lobby and wide windows made of shells and wood.
Rafi has yet to come out with the total number of Gabaldon schools that have been restored.
Teachers, students
Local officials, teachers and students in areas where Gabaldon schools are located and restored said they are happy with the project, especially that these have become a part of life and culture in their areas.
Former Asturias mayor Alan Adlawan said the restoration of the Gabaldon building in his town has also restored the pride of the people.
In the Gabaldon resto- ration, Rafi shouldered 40 percent of the cost, Capitol, 40 percent and the municipality, 20 percent.
Rafi announced its focus on Gabaldon restoration and preservation of open spaces in public schools.
The Gabaldon restoration of Rafi has the support of the USC School of Architecture, Cebu Provincial Government, League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter annd the Department of Education (DepEd).
The Education Development Unit of Rafi aims to help improve the quality of education in Cebu by enhancing learning environments and strengthening the community.