"Brigada Eskwela" kicks off in Region 7

CEBU, Philippines – The annual “Brigada Eskwela” program of the Department of Education kicked off in 13 local government units across the province yesterday with students, teachers, school officials, parents, community members, and local government officials taking part in the program.

This week is the so-called repair and maintenance week to prepare the schools for the opening of classes and the “Brigada Eskwela” caravan visited schools in Balamban, Toledo, Pinamungahan, Aloguinsan, Carcar, San Fernando, Naga, Talisay, Cebu City, Danao, Compostela, Lilo-an and Mandaue City.

Volunteers themselves brought tools to clean classrooms and repair and renovate damaged facilities. Electrical connections were also checked while books were inventoried to ensure there will be enough number for the coming school-year.

DepEd-7 Regional Director Recaredo Borgonia said they are targeting full participation from the more than 4,000 public elementary and secondary schools in Central Visayas.

“We are quite confident that we will be able to reach our target in one way or another. Efforts for the preparation of schools may not only be done through Brigada Eskwela but definitely all schools will be given attention,” Borgonia said.

Borgonia reported that except for a few, most schools in Cebu are properly maintained.

“Schools have done their job to find sources of funds to be used in this project. Some get funds from donations while some use their allocated budget for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses,” Borgonia said.

Borgonia said the program is one of the reasons why DepEd encourages private sectors and other organizations to adopt schools to give the schools partners in its efforts to improve and implement its programs.

Borgonia said only a few schools are part of the adopt-a-school program just yet but the trend is reportedly increasing every year. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/JMO (THE FREEMAN)