CITY of SAN PEDRO, Laguna — Laguna 1st District Representative Ann Matibag on Monday, July 21, led the inauguration and blessing of the newly constructed Gabaldon Hall at Gabaldon Central Elementary School in Barangay Poblacion, marking a renewed commitment to heritage preservation and educational infrastructure in the city.
The project was a joint initiative of Rep. Matibag and Senator Loren Legarda, with the support of the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the San Pedro City Government.
In her speech, Matibag, now on her second term, reaffirmed her focus on enhancing public schools in the district.
“Asahan niyo, mga anak ko, mga batang San Pedro — sa aking second term ay mas pagagandahin pa natin ang mga eskwelahan. Ito pong Gabaldon ay isang imprastraktura, pero kung gugustuhin, maaari rin itong maging isang magandang tourist destination dito sa ating bayan,” she said.
She described the restored Gabaldon Hall not only as a structure but as a cultural landmark and a source of pride.
“Ang atin pong Gabaldon building, this will not only be this structure. We will build more beautiful memories, and we will cater to our history and culture in San Pedro,” she said, recalling stories shared by her husband, former Cabinet Secretary Atty. Melvin “Mamba” Matibag, who grew up in the area.
Matibag also thanked Senator Legarda for her long-standing advocacy for cultural heritage and for backing the Gabaldon restoration.
“This project was made possible through the efforts of DepEd, the support of our local government, especially our barangay, the love and persistence of this community, and champions of culture like Senator Loren Legarda,” she said.
She highlighted how Legarda’s push for heritage protection under Republic Acts 10066 and 10086 led to Gabaldon buildings being declared Important Cultural Properties.
“Naalala ko nung nag-meeting kami ni Senator Loren, tinanong niya ako, ‘Saan ang Sampaguita?’ Kasi nga, San Pedro is the Sampaguita Capital of the Philippines,” Matibag shared. “Ang sabi ng aking asawa kay Senator Loren ay ‘I-restore natin ang Gabaldon.’ At nung nanalo ako bilang congresswoman at unang pumunta kami rito, ang nanay ninyo dito sa lugar na ito ay umiyak.”
Matibag, fondly known as “Lagunanay,” also announced plans to construct a new gymnasium on campus and cited strong support from House Speaker Martin Romualdez and President Ferdinand “Bong-Bong” Marcos Jr.
“Pwede na nating umpisahan ang inyong gymnasium. Ako po, bilang isang Lagunanay… ako na po ang luluhod at hihingi ng suporta… hanggang sa ating Pangulo, Bongbong Marcos,” she said. “Sigurado ako na mula 2025 hanggang 2028, mas marami pa tayong eskwelahan na pagagandahin.”
She also proudly noted the recent opening of a four-story, 12-classroom, fully air-conditioned building at Pacita 2 Elementary School.
“We are creating not just classrooms, but spaces for children to grow, to dream, and to succeed,” she said. “To all the teachers, maraming, maraming salamat po. You are the beating heart of public education.”
Matibag closed with a vow to make education accessible to every child in San Pedro.
“Kaya ‘yon po ang ating long-term goal: walang maiiwan sa San Pedro. Lahat ay yayakapin ng inyong Lagunanay para sa isang mas magandang bukas,” she said.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony followed the program, formally opening the Gabaldon Hall to students and the community — a milestone Matibag called a “new chapter” in San Pedro’s pursuit of education and cultural pride.