More volunteers join ongoing Brigada

BACOLOD City, Philippines -— The Department of Education  (DepEd) in  Negros Occidental noted an increase in response from parents and students and from other sectors during the launching of this year’s “Brigada Eskwela” on Monday.

Provincial Schools Division Superintendent Juliet Jeruta said that as early as 6:30 a.m. activities started in various public schools  across the province, and school administrators noted a significant increase in the active participation of the community.

The Negros Occidental Schools Division covers 575 public and 122 private elementary schools, 49 public and 115 private high schools in 19 municipalities and four cities all over the province.

The week-long clean-up and maintenance activities started with  a caravan to create awareness in the schools’ respective communities.

Jeruta added that public elementary and high schools are accepting donations in cash and in kind like labor during the clean-up drive and repair of school facilities.

There are areas where medical missions were also held.

She also acknowledged the assistance of the Philippine National Police and the Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army for conducting  plumbing activities and repairing the septic tanks of schools.

The Philippine Institute  of Civil Engineers also assisted the “Brigada Eskwela,” she said.

Jeruta said that although  â€œBrigada Eskwela”  is only up to May 24, the clean- up and repair of schools will continue until the school opening on June 2.

The Negros Schools Division expects a one-percent increase in the  number of   Grade 1 pupils and also in first year students this school year.

In Bacolod, which is a separate division, City Schools Superintendent  Gemma Ledesma said city officials joined the launching of the clean-up drive which will run for the rest of the week.

“I would like to challenge the stakeholders of the schools to make our schools beautiful and conducive for learning,” she said. The repainting of a school building was done with the help of sponsors. 

There were also volunteers who cleaned up the compound of Domingo Lacson and Negros Occidental High School (NOHS).

The business sector also helped in the clean-up activities. 

Ledersma said that with everyone helping, they can prepare the school better in time for the school opening.