INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
With the new school year just a few weeks away, the Department of Education (DepEd) along with different organizations and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors are gearing up for the nationwide Brigada Eskwela.
“In Brigada, bayanihan is very much alive through helping hands, and unrelenting commitment to serve and improve the quality of education,” DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones said in a statement on Friday.
DepEd said Brigada Eskwela kicks-off on May 29, at the New Society High School in General Santos City, with the theme “Pagkakaisa para sa Handa, Ligtas, at Matatag na Paaralan Tungo sa Magandang Kinabukasan”.
“Every year, we work to ensure that schools nationwide are ready and safe for our learners before classes open, and every year, we witness the spirit of volunteerism in motion as Filipinos from all walks of life make quality basic education all the more possible for our learners through Brigada Eskwela,” Briones added.
DepEd said communities and stakeholders have an important role in the preparation of schools. The department also encourages in-kind donations instead of cash.
DepEd said donations may include construction materials such as hollow blocks, cement, paint, and tools for the repair of schools through the Adopt-a-School program. DepEd added that school supplies for learners, teachers, and health and hygiene kits may also be donated.
Interested parties from national government agencies, local government units, private sector, international organizations and other groups and individuals who wish to help with the Brigada Eskwela may coordinate with DepEd central, regional, and divisional offices, or the school principal of the beneficiary school.
“This year, once more, we call on everyone’s selfless participation. Together, we can achieve so much for our learners,” Briones said.
DepEd also encouraged its personnel to participate in alloting time, skill, or assistance for the program. DepEd employees may also offer two days of volunteer work, which can be credited as official time.
Meanwhile, teachers with a complete six-day service with Brigada Eskwela will be given a three-day credit, DepEd said. /muf