Gabaldon School Buildings

The Gabaldon School Buildings, or simply the Gabaldons, were built during the American colonial era in the Philippines. They were inspired by the bahay kubo and bahay na bato, traditional houses of the Philippines. As of about 2024, there were 2,045 Gabaldon Schoolhouses still existing.

History
In 1907, the Philippine Assembly passed the Gabaldon Law (Act No. 1801), written by Isauro Gabaldón. The law provided ₱1 million for the construction of public schools from 1908 to 1915.

Design and construction
The Gabaldons were built by the American colonial Insular Government of the Philippine Islands and designed by American architect William E. Parsons. They were built in a standard size of 7 x 9 m regardless of the number of classrooms so that they could be constructed swiftly.

According to historians, the buildings are contemporary in design with elements drawn from the bahay kubo and bahay na bato common at the time. For instance, the Gabaldons are raised 1.2 m on a platform made of wood or concrete, and have large windows and high ceilings for both ventilation and light.

Preservation
From January 18, 2019, the Gabaldons are protected under the Gabaldon School Buildings Conservation Act (Republic Act No. 11194). Under the law, the "modification, alteration, destruction, demolition or relocation" of Gabaldon buildings is illegal, and local government units must protect and conserve of such buildings under their jurisdiction.

The Gabaldons are further protected by being designated cultural properties under National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.