The Brigada Eskwela is the present-day portrayal of our well-known Bayanihan spirit – the long time tradition of volunteerism we Filipinos value most. It’s a nationwide campaign of public schools with the consent and guidance of the Department of Education (DepED) to initiate the voluntary convergence of acquired resources, efforts of teachers, cooperation of parents and students, support of community officials and non-government organizations. All voluntary stakeholders convene together to conduct minor repair and clean up in their respective schools for at least two weeks before the start of the in-coming school year. This is to foster understanding among all sectors of society that the education of the Filipino is the responsibility of everyone.
Pursuant to Regional Memorandum No. 90 s. 2016 re: Brigada Eskwela for Establishment and Opening of New Public Schools for IP Learners in Northern Mindanao for SY 2016-2017, the Department of Education, Divisions of Bukidnon, Malaybalay City and Valencia hosted the BrigadaEskwela Kick-Off Ceremony on April 27, at Luyungan Center of Indigenous Peoples’ Education for high schoolers in Nasuli, Bangcud, Malaybalay City.
Division Superintendent Edilberto L. Oplenaria was the overall steering committee while the rest of committees were delegated to the staff and personnel from the three divisions. Participants and volunteers from the other schools division in Region 10 as well as representatives from Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) came wearing appropriate attire and brought cleaning materials.
After the BE kick-off ceremony at Luyungan, volunteers visited and worked in the 39 IP priority school sites for elementary learners. Meanwhile, the nation-wide BrigadaEskwela will be conducted on May 30-June 03.
In the real sense, the activity has a unifying effect among all stakeholders and officials in the schools division. Partnership between the government and the people is not only possible but also very effective.
May this great endeavor continue to create a positive outlook in everyone.