Brigada Eskwela

The public schools are already starting to get busy as they gear for the incoming school year. As per usual, parents and other sectors are enjoined to participate in the "Brigada Eskwela". This comes from the English word "Brigade" as in a group of individuals who are set to embark on a mission. For this case, the mission is to clean and beautify the classrooms.

However, the issue goes beyond beautification. Most schools in Cebu (and maybe even in the whole country) are facing the problem of classroom shortage. There are too many students who want to be educated in the public school system. The lack of facilities is pushing school heads to utilize other rooms such as laboratories as learning spaces. A majority of them are also resorting to shifting where there are three sets of students in a classroom. The earliest one has to come in at 6 in the morning while the last shift goes home at about 9 p.m. The schedule is cramped so that it could fit a shift. The rest of their day would be spent on asynchronous activities so the learning continues even if they are outside the classroom.

While this innovation is welcome, this shouldn't be the case. The problem has to be addressed head-on. However, the problem is faced with another problem --no spaces to build classrooms. For instance, schools in highly-urbanized cities are forced to make do with whatever land area they have. Others have extended floors just to accommodate more classes, but then again it just isn't enough.

The lack of classrooms isn't just the problem. The Department of Education is also facing a crisis since its teachers are leaving the country to teach abroad. This seemingly unique diaspora seems to get worse by the school year. Most Education graduates apply to the department for experience, then leave the country for a better career. They cannot be blamed. Any opportunity to earn more than what they are receiving today is appreciated. It is just too hard to be a teacher here.

There are even issues on the lack of chairs and other facilities in general. Students are forced to recreate and innovate from what they have. It may be a good life skill to practice but we still need to have accountability from our government officials.

The Constitution holds a provision that the education sectors should get the largest share of the annual national budget. Whether or not that is implemented, it isn't enough at the moment. There should be more allocations especially for schools in far-flung areas. Teachers shouldn't be dependent on individuals who would pledge their donation. The department should fund these for the future of our students.

It gets exciting as the start of the school year approaches. We have yet to see how things will go, now that the quarantine restrictions are all lifted. We hope that the effort done during the "brigada" is worth it.