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July 7, 2021 – To highlight the cultural and historical importance of Gabaldon Schoolhouses, the Department of Education (DepEd), through the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration (OUA), will host the Gabaldon Schoolhouse Contest 2021.

“These Gabaldon school buildings are historical structures where generations of Filipinos first experienced the light of knowledge and wisdom. We must preserve these structures and even promote them as a reminder of our nation’s rich history,” Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.

“In support of the Gabaldon School Buildings Conservation Act and DepEd’s own Gabaldon Schoolhouse Conservation Project, the contest aims to emphasize the pivotal role of Gabaldon Schools in shaping the nation’s public school system,” Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del B. Pascua said.

“Moreover, it hopes to instill among the younger generation that sense of place and pride and for them to treasure their time in these historical edifices as much as their ancestors did,” he added.

The contest is open to all public elementary and secondary schools with existing Gabaldon Heritage School Buildings.

The contest is divided into three main categories. Best Gabaldon Photos will reward entries that highlight the whole Gabaldon Building and its design. It is further subdivided into the Best Oldest Photo and the Best Contemporary Photo.

Meanwhile, the second category is for the Best Gabaldon Write-ups with sub-categories for Historical Significance, Famous Students/Teachers, and Personal Experience. Write-ups should be structured in the third person while following standard technical writing practices.

Lastly, the contest will also recognize the Best Gabaldon Videos. Video entries are preferably done in Filipino, but English or any native language is allowed, provided there are subtitles in Filipino. The videos should be 1080p, mp4 format, with a 2.5- to 4-minute duration, including credits. The sub-categories for the video are Documentary, Feature, Portraiture, and Animation.

All entries should be submitted via email at efd.as@deped.gov.ph and usec.admin@deped.gov.ph on or before 5:00 PM on July 25, 2021. A total of 14 winners, 28 runners-up, and 70 finalists will be chosen.

The winners will be featured in the Gabaldon Coffee Table Book and Gabaldon Full Feature Documentary that will be launched on December 21, 2021. Winning entries and finalists will also be featured in exhibits to be held at the DepEd Central Office and at the Baguio Teachers Camp’s (BTC) Gabaldon Museum, where they will be displayed permanently.

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