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An Academic Paper on Cultural Heritage of the Philippines

Gabaldon Buildings in Bohol

Aparece, Randy
Inting, John Rey
Mariano, Marvin
Tienda, Gerson
Tumarlas III, Leandre
S.Y 2019-2020
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

First and foremost, the researchers would like to extend

their deepest gratitude to their, Mr. Florence Salvo for the
guidance that he gave to the researchers as well as his
motivation that inspires the researchers to finish the study.

Also, the researchers would like to acknowledge and thank

their families for the never ending support that they had given
to the researchers. For the moral support and financial support
that they had given.

Above all, the researchers would like to thank Heavenly

Father for giving us the strength and courage that He had given
to the researchers. Also for the enlightenment and knowledge
while doing the research.

The Researcher
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE
I. COVER PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
II. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
III. TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
IV. ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
V. RATIONALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
VI. RELATED LITERATURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
VII. RELATED STUDIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
VIII. LEGAL BASIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
IX. ANALYSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
X. REFERENCES SITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
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Abstract

What are Gabaldon buildings? Gabaldon School buildings or

simply known as Gabaldons is a term used to refer to heritage
schoolhouses in the Philippines built in the provinces during the
first decades of the American colonial rule. The Government
Tapped American Architect, William Parsons, and a protégé of
Daniel Burnham, the man behind the development of Manila and
Baguio, started to create the blueprints for public school around
the country. Parsons make sure that the said structure still
reflects to the Spanish heritage in design while embodying modern
ideas.

Gabaldon buildings are modern in design while drawing

elements from bahay-kubo and bahay na bato which are common in
most of the towns during the said period. The said architectural
structure are raised 1.2 meters (equivalent to 3.9 in feet) on a
platform made of wood or concrete that made it elevated to the
ground by approximately 4 feet above. They also have high
ceilings with large windows made from woods and Capiz shells. The
large windows were designed to have a proper ventilation and
lightings throughout the whole area for the students. The
American architect also gave one standard size of 7 by 9 meters
for the school buildings, regardless of the number of the
classrooms.

Gabaldon buildings symbolize the history of education

throughout the nation. Those Gabaldons serves as the home of
public education in early years and a remembrance as we
commemorate the significance of educations in our lives. They
serves as the hope of our ancestors to have a chance to study and
experience public schools knowing not all Filipinos does not have
the chance to study. The gabaldons serves as hopes in every
Filipinos during American colonial period and to have more
knowledge and to be educated enough. These buildings is an
important reminder of our country’s unique identity, history and
rich culture.
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As time pass by, the Gabaldons might break and wither but
because of the society that choose to preserve and protect this
heritage, we are able to remember and glimpse the past
generation. These heritage structures serves as a reminder for us
on the importance of education in uplifting the lives of the
masses. As we glance those Gabaldons throughout our nation today
and in the near future, remembering and honoring the product of
the past makes us proud as they bring great honor to the history
of our country, the Philippines.

Rationale

Philippines is made known by being rich in cultural

heritage. There are many architectural structures, customs,
practices, objects, and etc. It serves as memory from our
ancestors and glimpse to the previous generations even if it is
being enhanced by the following generation. As you visit any
province in the country, almost always you will find two
architectural wonders that attributed to our colonizers; the
Spaniards baroque churches and the Gabaldons built during
American rule.

Gabaldon buildings are one of the many concrete example of a

cultural heritage. Heritage is a property, something that is
inherited, passed down from the previous generations. Heritage
does not consist of money, but of culture, values and traditions.
Cultural heritage implies a shared bond or belonging to a
community. It represents our history and our identity; our bond
from the past, to our present and to the upcoming future. They
often bring to mind artifacts, historical monuments, and
buildings as well as archeological sites. As the concept of
cultural heritage widens and gradually grown up, it included all
evidence of human creativity and expressions such as photographs,
documents, books and manuscripts, instruments and etc. Underwater
heritage and natural environment are also considered as part of
cultural heritage. Moreover, cultural heritage is not limited to
a material or objects that can be seen or touch. It also consists
of traditions, oral history, performing arts, social practices,
traditional craftsmanship and many more to be mentioned,
transmitted from generation to generation within a community.
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Cultural heritage is often expressed either tangible or

intangible. But, not all legacies from the past generation are
heritage, rather it is a product of the selection of the society.

Behind these Gabaldon schoolhouses, is a man named Isauro

Gabaldon born in Nueva Ecija to a Spaniard and a Filipina
parents. He completed “bachiller en artes” degree at the Colegio
Villanueva de la Jara. He also finished a law degree at the
University of Santo Tomas in Manila. He became the governor of
Nueva Ecija and later on as a member of Philippine Assembly. He
authored the law that led to the construction of school building
throughout different parts of the country. The law or Act No.
1801 or popularly known as the Gabaldon Act.

Gabaldons building were built due to the lack of facility

needed as 1,074 American teachers known as Thomasites arrived in
our country to set up the pacification in our early educations.
In 1909, the Gabaldon Act that was been submitted was approved.
William Parsons, the architect of the Philippine General Hospital
and the Baguio Mansion House, is being asked to standardize a
design and prepare for a blueprint. The Gabaldon building is 7 by
9 meter building, and is elevated 1.2 meters above the ground,
not only to isolate the living space fro, the thermal heat of
the ground, but also to avoid flooding in the interiors. The
flooring material is usually wood done in tongue and groove,
timber-framed construction. The small gaps in between the wood
planks allows better air circulation. The roof is made of
lightweight nipa or galvanized iron with deep overhangs for sun
shade and rain protection. Large swing-out Capiz shells inlay
windows run along the stretch of thee single-loaded open
corridor. Ventanillas or transform windows were used to ensure
that cross ventilation is achieved and natural lightings reaches
the inside.

A Gabaldon building is found in a school located in the

province of Bohol located at the heart of the province,
Tagbilaran City. The school was founded in 1905 by the Thomasites
in Carlos P.Garcia right in the heart and main thoroughfare of
the city. In the beginning, it is originally known as Provincial
High School and later, Bohol National High School through the
Presidential Decree No. 1050. It is renamed Dr. Cecilio Putting
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National High School as of today as a tribute to the famous

alumnus, Dr. Cecilio K. Putong, who became a Secretary of
Education in the country and made possible by the Republic Act
No. 8016. The school was also founded by Vince Jay Arcaba with an
area covering 21,674 square meters. As you enter the school gate,
turn right and the Gabaldon building was found with 9 classrooms.
DCPNHS became a landmark of history and tourism of Tagbilaran
City and Bohol. It is a government funded secondary educational
institute for 105 years.

Gabaldon buildings portrayed a significant part as it

signified the valued education of the Filipinos as an important
aspect in growth and development. Gabaldon school buildings
symbolized the first foundation of the Philippine Public School
System, where every Filipinos was given the opportunity to have
an access to proper education.

Preserving the Gabaldon buildings is a win-win situation. As

long as we see them as a resemblance of the past education from
the past generation, this Gabaldon buildings history will never
be forgotten and always be cherish even if the next generation
exist. These buildings is the place where our ancestors were
given a chance to experience public education.

Related Literature

In an article written by Gabriel in 2012, he said that

“Gabaldons are more than just an architectural structure. They
are historically significant to the Filipinos.” It is because of
the structural formations of Gabaldon buildings which mainly huge
school buildings elevated from the ground by a concrete base.
Their whole upper structure is entirely made up of woods and the
roof is galvanize iron sheets. A Gabaldon is characterized by its
high ceiling, spacious corridors and rooms that are divided by
wooden collapsible partitions. It has wide windows that allows
the breeze to come in and out of the room.
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“This authentic design is patterned after the “bahay kubo”

which is suited for tropical countries, was conceptualized by
William E. Parson, an American architect of the Bureau of
Public Works from 1905-1914, more known for his works on the
Manila Hotel, Philippine General Hospital. With the comfort
that is manifested in its architectural design, Gabaldons are
edifices that are conducive to learning for the school children.
Further, Gabriel explicated that Gabaldons are construction of
these buildings, which officially started after the formation of
the Philippine Assembly in 1907, was a strategy of the Americans
to rebuild and introduce the formal public educational system to
the Filipinos.”
Filipinos’ heritage structure. They were built after the
1899-1911 Philippine-American War. The
-University of Nueva Caceres, School of Graduate Studies,
September 2019

Related Studies

In a blogpost entitled ‘Those Gabaldons’ during August

30,2006 written by the former Tourism Secretary Gemma Cruz
Araneta, she stated there that the public schools during the
American colonial era based to what Baroque churches to the
Spanish period wherein during the period were the most imposing
structure in all provinces, cities and towns. As Spain uses
religion to colonize, the United States of America established
the public education system for ‘pacification’ and
Americanization which played a great role throughout the
generation down to the current time.

As for the heritage conservation, most of the school houses

built during Spanish colonial were reduced as the result of the
Philippine-American war during 1899-1911 and when the Philippine
Commission sent the American Secretary of war a telegram about
the pacification strategy, Engr. Edgar Bourne was instructed to
go to Manila. Architect Daniel Burnham, a famous city planner and
others soon followed him.
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As the Philippine Commission passed Act No. 268, creating

the Bureau of Architect and Construction of Public Buildings,
headed by Mr. Bourne, the construction of schoolhouses in Manila
and the provinces began. Making the said activity as the most
important work of the Bureau.

Soon enough, the Philippine Assembly formed Act No. 1801

after the elections of 1907. The Republic Act was authored by
Assemblyman Isauro Gabaldon from Nueva Ecija. The Republic Act
was approved and became widely known as the ‘Gabaldon Act’. The
appropriate one million in Philippine money (P1,000,000) between
1907 to 1915 for the construction of schoolhouses made up of
strong materials in barrios with guaranteed daily attendance of
not less than sixty pupils.

Funds for each school should not exceed four thousand pesos
(P4, 000) unless the municipality contributes a counterpart sum
of not less than fifty percent (50%) of the total amount granted
to it by the virtue of the Gabaldon Act.

The Gabaldon Act stipulated that schools can be built only

on land owned by the municipality. The proposed sites had to be
surveyed and registered with the court of Land Registration that
resulted to very few schools being erected in the first three
years. As separate planning for each school, the Bureau of Public
Works and Bureau of Education soon come up with standardize
designs. These were known as Gabaldon School Buildings or simply
“Gabaldon” after the expiration of Act 1801.

Fifty-one Gabaldons were completed in 1911 and by 1916, four

hundred five were constructed bringing the total number of one
thousand eight hundred fifty two classrooms. Among by those
Gabaldons, three hundred twenty seven were made concrete.

“In Gabaldon-style schools, there was an architectural

harmony between the main buildings and other accessory
structures. As it turned out to be an elegant designed school
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instilled in both teachers and students a certain pride and

appreciation for the finer things in life”
-Gemma Cruz Araneta, 2006

In an article of inquirer.net, they stated a quote from

Senator Legarda. “As we teach the Filipino youth our nation’s
culture and history, we should also inculcate in them respect for
things that form part of our heritage”
Picturing a Gabaldon, one would definitely be reminded of
the features of the house. Parsons may really have designed it
that way. It does not intimidate, it is humble and functional all
throughout. These schoolhouse became significant in the lives of
the majority of Filipino students. Truly, this became once their
second home.

Legal Basis

In 1909, an assemblyman named Isauro Gabaldon from Nueva

Ecija authored the Act 1801 also known as the Gabaldon Act on
School Buildings. It is mandated in the act that the approptiate
one million pesos is to fund of the construction of three
thousand school buildings nationwide, which were known as
Gabaldon schoolhouses or simply Gabaldons.

An act is release during the 23rd day of the month of July

year 2018 from the Office of the President. An act that preserve
the Gabaldon buildings throughout the country. It has 10
section. The Republic Act No. 11194.

REPUBLIC ACT No. 11194

An Act Mandating the Conservation of Gabaldon School Buildings

Nationwide, Providing Penalties for Violations, and Appropriating
Funds Therefor

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the

Philippine Congress Assembled:
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Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the

"Gabaldon School Buildings Conservation Act".

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the

policy of the State to conserve and promote the country's
historical and cultural heritage resources.

Section 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

Section 4. Gabaldon School Buildings as Cultural Properties. -

All Gabaldon school buildings shall be recognized as built
heritage and therefore be included as part of cultural properties
under Republic Act No. 10066 or the National Cultural Heriotage
Act of 2009. However, notwithstanding the provisions of this Act
as well as the provisions of Republic Act No. 10066, no public
school teacher shall be held liable for acts committed to cause
or effect emergency repairs on such structures.

Section 5. Conservation of Gabaldon School Buildings. - The

Department of Education (DepEd), in consultation with the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National
Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), and the National
Museum (NM), shall implement a program for the identification and
conservation of all Gabaldon school buildings nationwide.

Section 6. Appropriations. - The Secretary of Education shall

immediately include in the Department's program the
implementation of this Act, the initial funding if which shall be
charge to the current year's appropriation of the DepEd.
Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continued implementation
of this Act shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

Section 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety

(90) days from the approval of this Act, the DepEd, in
consultation with the NCCA, the NHCP, and the NM, shall formulate
the rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this
Act.

Section 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is

held invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not so
declared shall remain in force and effect.

Section 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders and

rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended
accordingly.
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Section 10. Effectivity. - This act shall take effect fifteen

(15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a
newspaper of general circulation.

Analysis

As the group look into further information and knowledge

about the Gabaldon school buildings, the group members became
more aware about the history on how the Gabaldon buildings were
made and the reason why it is exist and even until today, they
are still found. Aside from these, the group of researchers knew
the importance and the rule being portrayed by the Gabaldon
buildings.

The Gabaldon building in Bohol located in Tagbilaran City,

found in Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School or being known
as Bohol National High School was made in the year 1905 by the
Thomasites. This Gabaldon building was made through and designed
by an American architect named Wiliam Parsons. The man funded the
Gaaldon Law was Isauro Gabaldon, a former member of the
Philippine Assembly from 1907-1911. As the act expired, a new law
was mandated by the current president, President Rodrigo Rua
Duterte during 2018 to preserve the Gabaldn buildings all over
the country.

These Gabaldons were made due to the lack of facility as the

Thomasites arrived in our country as the United States of America
colonized the country. These Gabaldons are the second home of our
ancestors as they experienced and cherish public education or
education for all. It was a great chance for poor Filipinos who
cannot afford to go to school.

The Gabaldon buildings were important and still to be

cherish because they serves a remembrance to the quality
education. They signifies how Filipinos values education as an
important aspect of growth and development. The legacy left by
the Americans was these school buildings that showed that
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education was one of the objectives of the Americans when they

came to the Philippines.

References Sited

https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2019/ra_11194_2019.html

http://depedbohol.org/v2/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DM-No.-163-
s.-2013.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Cecilio_Putong_National_High_Sc
hool

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabaldon_School_Buildings

https://www.google.com/search?
rlz=1C1CHBF_enPH800PH800&sxsrf=ALeKk00TgF-zMsAnGkr_9mTmYZFuZx_2ew
%3A1584260166626&ei=RuRtXozkJbGwmAWpjpygDg&q=gabaldon+buildings&o
q=gabaldon+buildings&gs_l=psy-
ab.3..35i39j0l2j0i22i30l5.5134.7128..7646...0.2..0.188.1314.0j9..
....0....1..gws-
wiz.......0i71.ZlRtXEurjzQ&ved=0ahUKEwiMn9qDhZzoAhUxGKYKHSkHB-
QQ4dUDCAs&uact=5

https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/what-are-the-gabaldon-school-
buildings-a00290-20190208-lfrm
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Name: Tumarlas III, Leandre D.

E-mail Address: tumarlasleandre10@gmail.com
Mobile Number: 09463728228
Age: 18
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 58 kg.
Date of Birth: September 15, 2001
Place of Birth: Mayacabac, Dauis, Bohol
Nationality: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic
Civil Status: Single
Address: Purok 6, Mayacabac, Dauis, Bohol
Educational Background
Primary School: Mayacabac Eelementary School
Mayacabac, Dauis, Bohol

Junior High School: University of Bohol

Senior High School: University of Bohol

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Name: Tienda Gerson G.

E-mail Address: gersontienda@gmail.com
Mobile Number: 09308409767
Age: 24
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 65
Date of Birth: January 1, 1996
Place of Birth: Guiwanon, Nueva Valencia
Nationality: Filipino
Religion: Catholic
Civil Status: Single
Address: Pamaong Street, Cogon, Tagbilaran City

Educational Background
Primary School: Opra Elementary School Cebu City
Opra Kalunsan Cebu City
Junior High School: Cogon Night/Day High School
Tagbilaran City
Senior High School: Tagbilaran Grace Christian Military High
School
Tagbilaran City
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Name: Inting, John Rey O.

E-mail Address: intingjohnrey@gmail.com
Mobile Number: 09121234345
Age: 19
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 75 kg.
Date of Birth: 2001
Place of Birth: Tagbilaran City
Nationality: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic
Civil Status: Single
Address: Tagbilaran City

Educational Background
Primary School: Cogon Elementary School
San Jose. Street Tagbilaran City
Junior High School: Dr. Cecilio Putong National Highschool
CPG Street, Tagbilaran City
Senior High School: BIT-IC
Gallares Street, Tagbiilaran City
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Name: Mariano, Marvin B.

E-mail Address: marvinmariano@gmail.com
Mobile Number: 095563130411
Age: 25
Height: 5’5”
Weight: 63 kg.
Date of Birth: June 11, 1995
Place of Birth: Valencia Bohol
Nationality: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic
Civil Status: Single
Address: Botong, Valencia, Bohol
Educational Background
Primary School: Botong Elementary School
Address: Botong, Valencia, Bohol
Junior High School: Valencia Technical Vocational Highschool
Address: Valencia, Bohol
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Name: Aparece, Randy A.

E-mail Address: randyaparece@gmailcom
Mobile Number: 09287381282
Age: 19
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 60 kg.
Date of Birth: September 8, 2000
Place of Birth: Inabanga, Bohol
Nationality: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic
Civil Status: Single
Address: Fatima, Inabanga, Bohol

Educational Background
Primary School: Inabanga Elementary School
Dait Sur, Inabanga, Bohol
Junior High School: Inabanga High chool
Nabuad, Inabanga, Bohol
Senior High School: Inabanga High School
Nabuad, Inabanga, Bohol
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Name: Raper, Erwin

E-mail Address: erwinraper@gmail.com
Mobile Number: 09383061292
Age: 24
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 51 kg
Date of Birth: July 21, 1996
Place of Birth: Anda, Bohol
Nationality: Filipino
Religion: Catholic
Civil Status: Single
Address: Anda, Bohol

Educational Background
Primary School: Anda Elementary School
Anda, Bohol
Junior High School: Anda National High School
Anda, Bohol
Senior High School: Anda National High School
Anda, Bohol
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