DepEd says ‘Brigada Eskwela’ support in Region 8 overwhelming

TACLOBAN CITY, May 31 (PNA) -– Support to this year’s Brigada Eskwela is overwhelming as different sectors extended their help to boost school preparation activities, the Department of Education (DepEd) Eastern Visayas regional office said.

DepEd regional information officer Jasmin Calzita said hundreds joined the regional Brigada Eskwela caravan and kick off activity on Monday at the Biliran National Agricultural High School in Biliran, Biliran.

“Partner agencies, parents, non government organizations joined together to ensure that campuses will have an environment conducive to learning,” Calzita said.

DepEd provincial and city offices held their own kick off activities in various sites on Monday.

Calzita said the continued increase in participation has raised their confidence to surpass the donations of man-hours and building materials, as well as cleaning tools, generated in previous Brigada Eskwelas.

The DepEd regional office expects more support this year since their advocacy has started last year when they launched the promotion of senior high schools (SHS) program.

“Adding up to the throng of Brigada Eskwela supporters are parents of SHS enrolees,” Calzita added.

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.

Started in 2003, Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide voluntary effort bringing together teachers, parents and the community to clean up and repair public schools to prepare the facilities for the school opening.

Undertaken in all public schools every third week of May or two weeks before classes begin, participants include private organizations, individuals, national and local government agencies, local businesses, and international organizations and foundations.

Volunteers paint classrooms, repair furniture, and clean up the school grounds. Materials and supplies come from parents or private businesses and foundations. (PNA)
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