Seminar on conservation of Gabaldon school buildings held

THE University of San Carlos College of Architecture and Fine Arts-Conservation and Heritage Research Institute and Workshop (USC CAFA-Cherish) and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) held a seminar on developing a conservation management plan last March 17 at the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center.

Members of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Cebu District attended the seminar, which presented the historical and architectural significance of Gabaldon schools, raised awareness on conserving heritage structures and impart knowledge on the preparation of conservation management plan (CMP).

The CMP is a pre-requisite in the restoration of Gabaldon school buildings, whhich were built during the post-American war era in 1899-1911. The Gabaldons are big school buildings made of wood and have wide corridors and lofty ceilings.

The Gabaldons symbolized the start of a formal public education system in the country.

“The fact that we, Filipinos, have these Gabaldons is something that we should be proud of. Gabaldons are our legacy that need our care,” architect Carlos Pio Zafra, manager of USC-Cherish, said in his lecture.

In the afternoon session, the architects were taught about the process in crafting a CMP.

“The CMPs will be our guide in ensuring proper conservation of our Gabaldons,” said Anthony Dignadice, executive director of the Education Development Unit of RAFI.

Concerned about the construction of toilets in some Gabaldons, engineer Victor Yntig, physical facilities coordinator of the Department of Education, said he would send a directive on the proper conservation of Gabaldon school buildings to school administrators.

“It would be better to inform the schools and the parent-teachers associations that we are doing something for the Gabaldons,” added architect Panfilo Castro of UAP Sugbu Chapter during the seminar’s open forum.

RAFI will be conducting another CMP training for volunteer architects from the four UAP chapters — Sugbo, Cebu, Rajah Humabon and Lapu-Lapu chapters.