News Briefs: Feb. 11, 2019

Conservation, rehab of ‘Gabaldon-type’ schools mandated

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law mandating the conservation and restoration of “Gabaldon-type” school buildings all over the country.

Republic Act No. 11194 or the Gabaldon School Buildings Conservation Act, signed on Jan. 18 declared it the policy of the state to conserve and promote the country’s historical and cultural heritage and resources.

“Toward this end, it shall strengthen its efforts and pursue a more proactive role in the conservation and restoration of built heritage, such as the Gabaldon school buildings, to preserve their architectural, historical and social significance,” the law said.

Built between 1907 and 1946, there are around 1,446 Gabaldon school buildings all over the country. —Julie M. Aurelio

Smart teaches social media to farmers, fishermen

Farmers and fishermen from Laguna province are among the latest graduates of a training program on the use of smartphones, mobile data and social media for senior citizens.

The Smart Millenniors program was conducted recently at Farmers Information and Technology Services Center in Magdalena town, Laguna.

It was held in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Training Institute, the government unit in charge of upgrading farmers and fishermen’s skills.

Agriculture students and alumni from Laguna State Polytechnic University also attended the session as volunteer trainers.

The Smart Millenniors program received a Silver Anvil at the recent 54th Anvil Awards.