Restoration project eyes 30 Gabaldon bldgs

CEBU, Philippines - The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., the Province of Cebu and the concerned municipalities and cities will put up P40 million for the restoration of 30 Gabaldon buildings in different parts of the province within five years.

RAFI President Ramon “Bobby” Aboitiz said they will shoulder 40 percent of the amount while the province will shoulder another 40 percent while the rest of the amount will be contributed by the municipality or city where the Gabaldon building will be restored.

Aboitiz said that the project shows the unity and collaboration between the government and the private sector.

“To build Cebu’s future, start today,” he said.

A memorandum of agreement was already signed to mark the start of the restoration project which will run until September 2016.

Aboitiz, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter represented by Mayor Adelino Sitoy and the Department of Education-7 Regional Director Recaredo Borgonia signed the MOA.

The Gabaldon restoration project aims to restore the heritage structures and provide schoolchildren with a better learning environment while recognizing the value of preserving heritage and culture.

Gabaldon buildings are post-American war era school buildings that signified the introduction of the public education system to the Filipinos.

“Our buildings are powerful reminders of our evolution as a people and as Cebuanos,” said Amaya Aboitiz, the Executive Director of RAFI-Dolores Aboitiz Children’s Fund.

A fund-raising activity for the restoration project is also ongoing at SM City Cebu that will run until December 30.

Dubbed as “Mugna-Lambigit”, it showcases the historical and cultural beauty of the Gabaldons.

More than 60 paintings are also being displayed and up for sale. A collaborative painting serves as the centerpiece of the exhibit and will be sold to the highest bidder. (FREEMAN)