CITY Savings Bank (CitySavings) recently vowed to help the programs of the Department of Education (DepEd) amid the crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Guided by the Aboitiz Group’s purpose to drive change for a better world, CitySavings said it will continue to support the DepEd, which called support for the joint Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela initiatives from June 1 to Aug. 29, 2020.
Under the new framework, the physical cleaning, painting and minor repairs of school facilities will no longer happen during Brigada Eskwela. Last June 1, the DepEd held its first-ever Brigada Eskwela virtual kickoff where Education Undersecretary Tonisito Umali gave further details about this initiative.
“The activities shall highlight partnership initiatives that complement the DepEd’s efforts to ensure that quality basic education will continue despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and to implement the BE-LCP (Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan),” Umali said.
The activities with partner stakeholders include disinfection of schools, mobilization of essential items, psychological first aid sessions/psychosocial interventions, the DepEd’s learning continuity plan orientation activities with its partners and the parent-teacher associations, distance learning, gulayan sa paaralan/tahanan (vegetable stalls in schools/homes), other school-based initiatives and partnership appreciation.
CitySavings initially donated safety and sanitation essentials such as alcohol, sanitizers, disinfectants, face masks, gloves and thermal scanners that will benefit regional and division offices and selected schools nationwide. The bank has been coordinating with the DepEd to address other needs in preparation for the opening of classes on Aug. 24.
As the bank continues to implement Brigada Eskwela under the new framework, beneficiaries have expressed their appreciation for the help extended.
“Everyone’s main concern now is safety. The donation from City Savings Bank is a big help for the region to help fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. We are happy to engage with the CitySavings as we prepare our teachers, learners and schools for the new normal”, said DepEd Eastern Visayas Director Ramir Uytico.
CitySavings president and chief executive officer Lorenzo Ocampo commended the DepEd for its bold and innovative response to the pandemic.
“As with Brigada Eskwela, CitySavings will support this learning continuity plan that ensures the well-being of teachers and students in this challenging time and with you, we look forward to better times ahead,” he said.