Talisay school among top 96 in DepEd's "Brigada Eskwela"

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Education has awarded the top 96 schools that implemented the “Brigada Eskwela” program, one of which is the Talisay City Central Elementary School.

The 96 schools from across the country have mobilized the most number of individuals and organizations for the repair and maintenance of their schools, DepEd said.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus led yesterday’s awarding ceremony at the Cebu International Convention Center,

The awardees were categorized as small big or exceptional based on their enrollment size. Talisay City Central Elementary School belongs to the large schools category.

Aside from being among the top 96, Talisay City Central Elementary school was also given the Hall of Fame award for having won the Best Implementor Award for three consecutive years.

The “Brigada Eskwela” program started in May 2003 with just 31 percent of schools in the Philippines participating. Last year, 44,619 schools have implemented program, a far cry of the 12,533 that participated in 2003.

Lapus said he is happy with the outcome of the project and he is proud that “all our public schools are now Brigada Eskwela converts.”

He also challenged local government units, particularly barangay officials to also work in bringing school-aged students to schools.

Five others schools also made it to the top 96 in Region 7, including Canayaon Elementary school and Sierra National High School in Bohol, Bais City Pilot Elementary School in Bais City, Negros Oriental and Candaping National High School in Siquijor.

The “Brigada Eskwela” is an annual activity wherein school officials seek the help of the entire community to help prepare the school for the opening of classes in June. — AJ dela Torre/JMO (THE FREEMAN)