AGUSAN DEL NORTE — Representative Dale Corvera of Agusan del Norte’s 2nd District, who serves on the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, has publicly commended President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for sanctioning the allocation of PHP1.34 billion to refurbish heritage school buildings across the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, more than 2,000 heritage school edifices across the nation are in dire need of financial aid for their restoration. He highlighted that numerous historic school structures, vital to preserving the nation’s cultural legacy, have deteriorated or are no longer in use. With the newly approved funds, approximately 600 classrooms in over 80 heritage schools are set for restoration.
Among the notable beneficiaries are the Gabaldon Schoolhouses, constructed from 1907 to 1946. These schools are named after Isauro Gabaldon, a former legislator who championed the Gabaldon Act of 1907. This landmark legislation, enacted by the Philippine Assembly, earmarked PHP1 million for the establishment of modern public school facilities across the country, a project that spanned from 1908 to 1915.
Rep. Corvera expressed optimism that this funding would kick-start ongoing efforts to conserve these vital structures, linking them to broader educational and cultural preservation endeavors. He emphasized that restoring these buildings would not only address the pressing need for classroom space but also foster a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage among Filipino students.
The funding initiative, as Corvera notes, symbolizes a significant step towards connecting the nation’s youth with their historical roots, ensuring that they maintain a strong sense of identity and continuity with their past.