Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11194)
The short title of Republic Act No. 11194 is the "Gabaldon School Buildings Conservation Act."
The State declares the policy to conserve and promote the country’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, specifically strengthening efforts in the conservation and restoration of built heritage such as Gabaldon school buildings to preserve their architectural, historical, and social significance.
Conservation refers to all processes and measures of maintaining the cultural significance of Gabaldon school buildings including preservation, restoration, reconstruction, protection, adaptation, or any combination thereof.
Gabaldon school buildings are school buildings designed by American Architect William Parsons and funded through Act No. 1801, authored by Assemblyman Isauro Gabaldon.
Yes, all Gabaldon school buildings are recognized as built heritage and are included as part of cultural properties under Republic Act No. 10066, the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.
No, notwithstanding the provisions of this Act and RA No. 10066, no public school teacher shall be held liable for acts committed to cause or effect emergency repairs on such structures.
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) is responsible for implementing the program for identification and conservation of all Gabaldon school buildings nationwide.
Any modification, alteration, destruction, demolition, or relocation of Gabaldon school buildings is strictly prohibited except for permitted modifications with a permit from the NCCA under specific conditions.
Modification or alteration of the original architectural design may be allowed in public elementary and secondary schools with a permit from the NCCA when there is an exigency for constructing new school buildings due to increased student population under RA No. 10533. However, the facade and other distinct features should be preserved as much as possible.
Local government units that have Gabaldon school buildings under their jurisdiction must adopt measures for the protection and conservation of these structures and provide assistance to the DepEd in the implementation of conservation projects.
The Secretary of Education shall include the implementation of this Act in the Department's program with initial funding charged to the DepEd's current year appropriation, and the necessary amounts for continued implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
The DepEd, in consultation with the NCCA, NHCP, and NM, shall formulate the implementing rules and regulations within ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act.
The invalidity or unconstitutionality of any provision shall not affect the other provisions of the Act, which shall remain in full force and effect as per the Separability Clause.
This Act took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.