'Brigada Eskwela' draws various orgs to aid learners’ needs
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
Vice President and Secretary of Education Sara Z. Duterte emphasized that Brigada Eskwela is an appeal to the bayanihan spirit of every Filipino to help prepare the schools for the opening of classes.
Anchored on this year’s theme, “Bayanihan Para sa Matatag na Paaralan,” the Brigada Eskwela underscores the country’s volunteer initiatives to ensure a clean, safe, inclusive, and child-friendly learning environment for learners and teaching and non-teaching personnel, and strengthen resiliency of schools and basic education.
In Caraga region, the Department of Education (DepEd) has institutionalized the act of volunteerism of the different stakeholders and contributes to the development of the learners, may it be in public or private institutions.
Pastor Jezreel Pagaura, president of Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) of DepEd-Butuan City Division, emphasized that during the yearly conduct of the Brigada Eskwela, the spirit of volunteerism is observed among parents and other stakeholders, as they unite and converge their efforts in taking care of the needs of the learners through classroom clean-up, repair, repaint, and gardening, among others.
"The best thing about Brigada Eskwela is that different sectors are gathered to ensure that students will experience a clean, safe and conducive learning environment in the schools. For those working parents who could not join the Brigada Eskwela may contribute through donations of school supplies and/or cleaning materials," he said.
Raul Mahilum, principal of Agusan PequeΓ±o Elementary School in Butuan City, that served as the host school for the Brigada Eskwela in the city, recognized the efforts and contributions of the stakeholders, especially with the donations extended to them for the benefit of the learners.
"We are here gathered to make this Brigada Eskwela successful and ensure that necessary preparations for the opening of classes on August 29, 2023 are all set for our learners. We acknowledged everyone's active support and participation in the Brigada Eskwela," he said.
Together with the teachers of Agusan PequeΓ±o Elementary School in Butuan City, they received the cleaning materials including paints and grasscutters, computer sets, various information, education and communication (IEC) materials, and school supplies, among others.
Representing congressional representative Jose Aquino II of Agusan del
Norte, Atty. William Christian Dela Cruz, stressed that with a common goal, the
different sectors should continue to work together and take active part in
ensuring that the rights and welfare of the learners are observed in a city
ascending like Butuan, and thrive more to sustain its gains in the
implementation of the National Literacy Program of the government.
"It is the responsibility of every community composed of individuals or people to ensure that quality education is being provided to the children with a safe and secure learning environment," said Dela Cruz.
DepEd Caraga regional director Maria Ines Asuncion, called on the different stakeholders to contribute to new ideas to make education better, if not the best.
"Together we can create conducive learning for our students. I am confident that with your dedication and passion in helping our students reach their full potential, we will have a fruitful Brigada Eskwela and successful activities for the learners," she said.
Dir. Asuncion also announced that the World Teachers Day celebration will be held on October 5, 2023 in Butuan City. "Hence, let's make it a meaningful event for all our teachers," she said.
Dr. Minerva Albis, schools division superintendent of DepEd Butuan City Division, also highlighted that with the explicit support and participation of the parents and other stakeholders, the Brigada Eskwela and other campaigns of the schools division have been successful and have drawn more partners to sustain its gains in the implementation of the program.
"Our partners from various organizations and individuals play a vital role in our campaign to help the communities to have better schools and facilities for the learners, especially with the anticipated opening of classes on August 29, 2023. We are also thankful for those who handed their donations to the different district schools in the city," she said.
She added that in Brigada Eskwela, the true spirit of volunteerism and bayanihan were observed, that continue to inspire other people to also contribute to this endeavor.
Also, participating stakeholders expressed their support and commitment to contribute in the conduct of 2023 Brigada Eskwela by signing in the Wall of Commitment, during the kick-off activities. Earlier on, the same group also joined in the information caravan within the city thoroughfares.
The Department issued DO No. 21, s, 2023, or known as the 2023 Brigada Eskwela Implementing Guidelines, to guide schools on sustaining partnership engagement activities, and to ensure its alignment with the components of the MATATAG Agenda.
The MATATAG Agenda of the government will have four critical components: MAke the curriculum relevant to produce competent and job-ready, active, and responsible citizens; TAke steps to accelerate delivery of basic education facilities and services; TAke good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and Give support to teachers to teach better. (JPG, PIA-Caraga)
