Conservation of Gabaldon School Buildings

The State commits to conserving and promoting the Philippines' historical and cultural heritage.
Emphasis is placed on conserving built heritage, specifically the Gabaldon school buildings.
The goal is to preserve the architectural, historical, and social significance of these buildings.

Conservation: Encompasses preservation, restoration, reconstruction, protection, adaptation, or any combination to maintain the cultural significance of Gabaldon school buildings.
Gabaldon school buildings: Refers to school buildings designed by American architect William Parsons and funded under Act No. 1801 authored by Assemblyman Isauro Gabaldon.

All Gabaldon school buildings are recognized as built heritage.
These buildings are included as cultural properties under Republic Act No. 10066 (National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009).
Public school teachers are exempt from liability for acts committed to effect emergency repairs on these structures.

The Department of Education (DepEd), alongside the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), and National Museum (NM), shall implement identification and conservation programs.
An inventory of all Gabaldon buildings, functional or condemned, in public elementary and secondary schools, will be conducted.
School heads must report the existence or structural damage of any Gabaldon building to Schools Division Superintendents.
Local government units (LGUs) must adopt protection and conservation measures and assist DepEd in implementation.
Modifications, alterations, destruction, demolition, or relocation of these buildings are strictly prohibited.
Conservation measures require coordination with cultural agencies to maintain original architectural design.
Exceptions allow modifications with proper permits from the NCCA, particularly to accommodate increasing student populations under the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (RA 10533).
Preservation of the facade and distinct original features is prioritized.

The Secretary of Education will allocate initial funding from the current DepEd budget.
Future necessary funds will be included in the annual General Appropriations Act for continued implementation.

DepEd, in consultation with NCCA, NHCP, and NM, must issue the implementing rules and regulations within 90 days from the Act's approval.

If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act continues in effect.

Laws, decrees, orders, or regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or amended accordingly.

The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.