To commemorate the architectural, historical, social, and scientific value of the Gabaldon schools, the Department of Education (DepEd) is celebrating the first Gabaldon Heritage Week from Dec. 13 to 23.
“We are continuously ensuring that these facilities are taken care of because it is part of our growing history and I want our future learners to see them in good condition,” Secretary Leonor Briones said.
Briones spearheaded the visit of the Gabaldon School Building in Amlan Elementary School in Negros Oriental to check the conservation of the said structure.
The said initiative of the Department is in support of Republic Act No. 11194 or the Act Mandating the Conservation of Gabaldon School Buildings Nationwide, Providing Penalties for Violations, and Appropriating Funds.
In July, DepEd launched a nationwide contest to highlight the cultural and historical importance of Gabaldon schools.
The “Gabaldon Schoolhouse Contest 2021” was open to all public elementary and secondary schools with existing Gabaldon Heritage School Buildings.
The contest is divided into three main categories: the Best Gabaldon Photos which will reward entries that highlight the whole Gabaldon Building and its design; the Best Gabaldon Write-ups; and Best Gabaldon Videos.
The winners of the said contest, DepEd said, will be featured in the Gabaldon Coffee Table Book and Gabaldon Full Feature Documentary scheduled to be launched on Dec. 21, 2021.
DepEd said that the winning entries and finalists will also be featured in exhibits to be held at the DepEd Central Office and at the Baguio Teachers Camp’s (BTC) Gabaldon Museum where these will be permanently displayed.