PUBLIC schools in Leyte have launched this year’s “Brigada Eskwela” in preparation for the June 3 opening of classes.
From May 20 to 25, the Leyte division’s simultaneous kick-off activities are at Area I - San Miguel Central School in San Miguel; Area II – A - Barugo I Central School, Barugo; Area II - B - La Paz Central School, La Paz; Area III - Villaba South Central School, Villaba; Area IV - Palompon North Central School, Palompon; Area V- A - Abuyog South Central School, Abuyog; and Area V - B - Matalom North Central School, Matalom.
“As the Department of Education endeavors to solve many challenges in Basic Philippine Education, Brigada Eskwela will serve as one of the department’s frontline initiatives to remind each and every Filipino that we are all stakeholders in education,” said Socorro Ausa, Leyte education program supervisor.
Joy Olarte, Alternative Learning System (ALS) coordinator from Javier, thanked the parents and other stakeholders who attended the opening program in their district.
“Any form of help given to ALS will serve as inspiration to the students and teachers,” said Olarte.
In Palo, teacher Jennifer Sanopo, 44, called on the parents and other stakeholders to join the Brigada Eskwela in their school.
“Brigada Eskwela is not only about cleaning and preparing the school for the new school year but also a show of unity between parents, students, and teachers,” said Sanopo, a class adviser and senior high school teacher at Palo National High School.
With over 4,000 students and 154 faculty members, Palo National High School Principal Estrellita Morano thanked the presence and the support from both private and government agencies during the first day of the Brigada Eskwela.
Allen James Zambale, 13 and an incoming freshman, said he is excited in joining the voluntary clean-up activities in the school.
“I’m happy to help for the sake of my two children who are enrolled in the school,” added Purisima Tejones, 55.
Nedita Billato, another teacher at Palo National High School, said that as of Monday morning, they already have 216 parents who showed up to help the school.
Now on its 16th year, the Brigada Eskwela, also known as the National Schools Maintenance Week, continues to receive positive feedback among its external stakeholders.
“It is more than just about painting or cleaning schools in preparation for the return of the children. It’s also a matter of seeing to it that we provide them the requisites of learners and the requisites of a good learning environment namely, safe schools, supplies, furniture, equipment, and good teachers,” said Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones in Manila.
This year’s theme is on “Matatag na Bayan para sa Maunlad na Paaralan”.
More than 23 million students from Kinder to high school level are estimated to return to public schools for the school year 2019-2020. (SunStar Philippines)