NHCP to Bayambang: Don’t touch Gabaldon buildings
BAYAMBANG—The chair of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has enjoined the mayor here “to refrain from demolishing or altering the Gabaldon building in keeping with the law”.
In a letter dated Jan. 6, 2016, NHCP Chairperson Marina Diokno to Mayor Ricardo Camacho, “Please be advised that the American period Gabaldon school falls within the purview of the heritage law which provides that the structures fifth years older shall be presumed to be important cultural property.”
She said the NHCP collaborates with the Department of Education (DepEd) in preserving Gabaldon buildings throughout the country and advised Camacho to submit his development plan for review and approval by the DepEd and NHCP.
Diokno said she received information about plans to demolish the Gabaldon building of Bayambang Central School from Filipinas Alcantara and Nelson Borillo, both from the People’s Alliance for Bayambang Central School.
Alcantara, president of the Parents Teachers Association, wrote to Diokno on Dec. 22, 2015 and decried how the main Gabaldon building in the central school compound was burned under suspicious circumstances.
She informed the NHCP that the three Gabaldon buildings were constructed in 1912 to 1924 for the public elementary school that was established by the American government in the early 1900s.
Alcantara said they (her group) are aware that the government already made a pronouncement that the Gabaldon buildings erected during the American organization are considered as part of the national heritage.
She said the Gabaldon building should be restored/renovated instead of being destroyed or demolished “to cater to the sinister desire of some enterprising opportunists to pursue their selfish objective… for their own personal advantage, gain and benefit at the expense of public interest blatant disregard of our National Heritage Law and wanton disregard of the aspiration and sentiments of the past graduates who are so much attached to their alma mater.”
The House of Representatives approved H.B. 5794 in 2015 that provides that it is the State policy to preserve and promote the country’s historical and cultural heritage and resources. Towards this end, the State shall strengthen its efforts and pursue a more proactive role in the conservation and restoration of built heritage such as the Gabaldon and other heritage school buildings, to preserve their architectural, historical and social significance. (Tita Roces)
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