MEANING OF INFANTA GABALDON
by Pol Derilo
Gabaldon school building is a typical construction type
in many Philippine towns dating back to the early
American occupations of the country. It was named after
the Rep. Isauro Gabaldon, Resident Commissioner for
the Philippines in Washington D.C. when our country
was still considered a US territory/commonwealth
resulting from the Spanish American war. He had the
pivotal role in providing funds for the construction of
school buildings in the country.
For the people of Infanta, it represents their alma mater,
the structure that literally centralize the educational
system location and provided classrooms for
elementary education of local children and those from
neigboring towns. My father-in-law, (Eladio G.
Azcarraga) together with many of his contermporaries
enjoyed their great privilege of teaching there for many
years.
While the reconstruction symbolizes rising from ruins,
the restoration will revive the desire of its alumni,
benefactors and everyone to manifest their
determination to reverse setback and bring back the
backdrop of memories of their youthful awakening. Just
like the 2004 catastrophy, it will demonstrate
decisiveness in responding to adversities.
The restoration makes it more meaningful with local
support and leadership remaining at the forefront of this
undertaking. Without doubt, resources that payoff bills
are vitally important as the desire and vision of human
spirits in rebuilding the structure. Like a burning flame, it
is a beacon for fulfillment.
With a total budget of Ph15-M, local counterpart amounts
to roughly 40% or Ph6-M while Metro Infanta Foundation
pledged the remaining balance of Ph9-M. For around a
month now, Mario Combalicer, a zealous advocate from
Poblacion 38 and currently living in U. K., has posted a
note of thanks in this website while at the same time
continuously reminding us for the generosity of
Infantahins . The Parent Teachers Community
Association at Infanta Central Elementary School,
Municipal and Provincial governments are leading the
local initiative of fund raising.
The enormity of this project at this juncture of national
and international economic situation undoubtedly
demand patience, resiliency and perseverance. Even
with determined timetable, strict adherence possibly
may be unavoidable. Commitment is therefor critical in
ensuring the success of this project.
In the book of Exodus, there was a time when Moses
was instructed to build the Arch of the Covenant and a
Dwelling for the Israelites to worship. Moses appealed
to the generosity of his people to which they responded
by giving their treasured possessions ranging from gold
to goat skin. They also offerred purple/scarlet yarn,
acacia wood, oil, spices, incense, onyx stones, gems,
etc. Artisans, craftsmen and their assistants took the
charge of executing the miticulous and precise
specifications given to Moses. In plight and still
wandering from Egypt, the Israelites obeyed promptly.
Though still resembling modern day refugees, pursuing
freedom in the promised land of milk and honey,
obedience strongly prevails in their heart, partaking their
possessions and heeding their sheperd's call for
generosity.
Though the circumstances differ from what we have
today, the human phenomenon remains essentially
unchanged among the Infantahins and the Israelites.
The need to oblige and respond the call still holds true
inspite of the passage of time. Like a faithful steward,
sharing treasured possessions to manifest hope and
faith prevails. Let us press on to keep these everlasting
virtues alive in Infanta. Assure that the coming
generations may not lost the common vision that our
forefathers saw for us. May the start of a promising
enlightenment provide and endure a lasting quest for
wisdom and truth. Let the learning torch forever be
aflame in the portals of Gabaldon school building, the
Infanta Central Elementary School.