SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union -- After the post election clean-up operation to get rid of campaign materials, policemen from the different police units in Ilocos Region “attacked" the schools to participate in the weeklong Brigada Eskwela.
Armed with stick brooms, rakes, paint brushes and other cleaning tools, they joined the Department of Education (DepEd) in preparing public schools for the opening of classes next month.
The Brigada Eskwela, introduced in 2003, became a yearly community activity, with the private sector actively participating in the event.
“Our police personnel temporarily laid down their firearms, picked up various tools, and helped the parents, teachers, students and other volunteers in cleaning schools,” said Police Regional Director Constante Azares.
“Our police personnel in the region are not only keepers of peace and order; they are also maintainers of cleanliness,” he added.
Aside from participating in the national clean-up drive, the local enforcers in the region had started implementing Security Plan-Balik Paaralan, aimed at ensuring peace and order during the school opening.
“Balik Paaralan” involves the establishment of Police Assistance Desks near schools, as well as the beefing up of mobile and foot patrols in main thoroughfares and places of convergence.
“We will place the whole command in high alert level and we will increase police visibility to ensure that students will not be victimized by criminal elements,” Azares stated.
“Just like in previous years, we will be tapping the assistance of force multipliers such as Barangay Tanods, NGOs and other volunteer organizations for this public safety endeavor,” he added.