DepEd Eastern Visayas sees more Brigada Eskwela volunteers this year

PALO, Leyte, May 20 (PNA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) Eastern Visayas regional office is expecting wider participation in this year’s traditional Brigada Eskwela with the intensified advocacy on Senior High School program.

“We are optimistic that many stakeholders will join the school preparation activities especially that we have been soliciting support for the SHS full implementation in the past few months,” said DepEd regional information officer Jasmin Calzita.

On May 30, the education department’s regional office and division offices will hold a caravan to launch the first day of Brigada Eskwela. A regional kick off ceremony will held at the Biliran National Agricultural High School in Biliran, Biliran.

“All schools will conduct Brigada Eskwela, but the priority are those schools offering SHS. They need help to put up signage to guide students and parents where to locate junior high school and SHS classrooms,” Calzita said.

The DepEd has identified 361 schools in Eastern Visayas that will offer SHS program starting June 13, 2016. Of the number, 340 are existing secondary schools and 21 are stand alone campuses. At least 123 private schools will also offer SHS.

The education department is expecting more than 72,000 enrolees in the region, representing the first batch of learners who will take part in the full implementation of SHS program.

Earlier, the DepEd solicited pledges of commitment from national government agencies, local government units and the private sector to help them in preparing for full implementation of SHS program in the region.

“So far, our partners have been true to their pledge of commitment. This has raised our confidence that more groups will support this year’s Brigada Eskwela,” Calzita added.

Groups and individuals who will offer their service to class reopening preparation activities are asked to coordinate with DepEd and school officials.

Brigada Eskwela will run from May 30 to June 4, urging all education stakeholders to contribute their time, effort and resources to this school maintenance effort in ensuring that all public school facilities are ready for the opening of classes on June 13.

Among the activities are repair and cleaning of classrooms and toilets, repainting of school gate and facade, installation fence, de-clogging of drainages, repair of furniture, repainting of classroom, and repair of electrical connections. (PNA)

FFC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO