SAN FERNANDO, La Union, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) saved at least P2.9 billion from the nationwide Brigada Eskwela program as part of the National Schools Maintenance Week.
Jesus Galvan, DepEd assistant secretary for finance, told The STAR here that the free working hours provided by teachers, parents, students and community volunteers and donations like construction materials from various sectors led to the huge savings.
“That’s why we are encouraging more volunteers and donations for this weeklong event,” he said.
Galvan, who led the launching of the Brigada Eskwela at the Catbangen Elementary School here, said volunteers helped in making minor repairs and repainting of school buildings and classrooms, cleaning and planting of trees.
Galvan witnessed the signing of a memorandum of agreement for the Brigada Eskwela among the La Union police led by OIC-director Superintendent Noel Amoyen; the La Union schools division headed by superintendent Dr. Edna Leal; the city schools division led by superintendent Dr. Linda Laudencia; the city government represented by Vice Mayor Pancrasio Nisce; and the city police led by Superintendent Pedro Obaldo Jr.
“With Brigada Eskwela, we hope there’s no more hindrance in the opening of classes,” Galvan said, who also inspected other schools in the province.
For areas affected by typhoon Emong, Galvan said he has signed documents for the transfer of funds to expedite the repair of damaged school buildings, particularly in the Ilocos and Cordillera regions.