Law Summary

1. Short Title

• The Act is officially known as the "Gabaldon School Buildings Conservation Act."

2. Declaration of Policy

• Legal Principle: The State aims to conserve and promote historical and cultural heritage, specifically through the conservation of Gabaldon school buildings.
• Key Points:
  • Active role in conservation and restoration of built heritage.
  • Preservation of architectural, historical, and social significance of Gabaldon school buildings.

3. Definition of Terms

• Key Definitions:
  • Conservation: All processes to maintain the cultural significance of Gabaldon school buildings, including preservation, restoration, reconstruction, protection, and adaptation.
  • Gabaldon School Buildings: School structures designed by American architect William Parsons and funded through Act No. 1801, authored by Assemblyman Isauro Gabaldon.

4. Gabaldon School Buildings as Cultural Properties

• Legal Principle: Gabaldon school buildings are recognized as cultural properties under Republic Act No. 10066.
• Key Points:
  • All Gabaldon school buildings are included as part of cultural properties.
  • Public school teachers are not liable for acts concerning emergency repairs on these structures.

5. Conservation of Gabaldon School Buildings

• Legal Principle: The Department of Education (DepEd) must implement a nationwide program for the identification and conservation of Gabaldon school buildings.
• Requirements and Procedures:
  • Inventory: DepEd and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to conduct an inventory of all Gabaldon school buildings.
  • Reporting: School heads must report structural damages to their Schools Division Superintendents.
  • Local Government Units: Required to assist in the protection and conservation of Gabaldon school buildings.
  • Prohibition: Modifications, alterations, destruction, demolition, or relocation are strictly prohibited without a permit from the NCCA.
  • Technical Assistance: Provided by DepEd in coordination with NCCA, NHCP, and NM for necessary conservation measures while maintaining the original architectural design.
  • Exception: Modifications may occur with a permit when constructing new school buildings due to increased student population under Republic Act No. 10533.

6. Appropriations

• Legal Principle: Funding for the implementation of this Act is to be included in the Department’s program.
• Key Points:
  • Initial funding charged to the current year’s appropriation of the DepEd.
  • Future funding to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

7. Implementing Rules and Regulations

• Requirements: DepEd must formulate the rules and regulations within ninety (90) days from the Act's approval in consultation with NCCA, NHCP, and NM.

8. Separability Clause

• Legal Principle: If any provision is deemed invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall stay in effect.

9. Repealing Clause

• Legal Principle: All laws, decrees, orders, and regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or amended accordingly.

10. Effectivity

• Timeframe: The Act takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Key Takeaways

• The Gabaldon School Buildings Conservation Act mandates the conservation of historical school buildings designed by William Parsons.
• It establishes the DepEd's role in identifying and conserving these structures, with strict regulations against alterations without proper permits.
• Funding for the Act's implementation is secured through appropriations in the annual budget.
• The Act emphasizes the preservation of cultural heritage and provides a framework for accountability and cooperation among governmental bodies.