The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has green-lighted the release of funds amounting to over PHP1 billion for the restoration of heritage school buildings across the country.

In a statement Tuesday, the DBM said it has approved the release of a PHP1.134-billion Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the funding needs of the Department of Education (DepEd) for the conservation and restoration of Gabaldon School Buildings and other Heritage School Buildings.

Gabaldons are heritage school buildings constructed during the colonial period of the United States.

Their architecture draws inspiration from traditional bahay kubo (nipa hut) and bahay na bato (stone house) designs.

Currently, there are 2,045 Gabaldon Schoolhouses across the Philippines.

“Let us restore and preserve the dignified spaces of our Gabaldon School Buildings and other heritage structures,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.

“Whether nestled in bustling cities or remote provinces, these historic edifices hold the promise of progress. Together, we forge a path toward a renewed Philippines, leaving no one behind as espoused by President Bongbong Marcos’ vision of a Bagong Pilipinas,” she added.

Pangandaman approved the release of SARO on March 1, 2024, covering 654 classrooms in 83 sites nationwide.

According to Special Provision No. 21 of the 2024 General Appropriations Act and in accordance with Republic Act 11194 or the Gabaldon School Buildings Conservation Act, heritage school buildings, including Gabaldon school buildings, must be preserved and restored as part of the country’s cultural conservation efforts.

The restoration process includes site improvements such as school ground site leveling and grading, with high regard for building safety and integrity, and removal of obstructions and unsafe structures around the Gabaldon building.

Moreover, the DepEd and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) must ensure that these schools are fully restored and not just renovated or rehabilitated.

In line with this, a joint inspection of the buildings will be conducted by the National Commission for Culture and Arts, the National Historical Commission and the National Museum of the Philippines. (PNA)