'Brigada Eskwela' starts today
This year's National Schools Maintenance Week of the Department of Education (DepEd) popularly known as "Brigada Eskwela" will be conducted from May 21 to May 26, 2007 in public schools nationwide.
Education Secretary Jesli Lapus called on all stakeholders in education to participate in this activity that seeks to gather volunteers from the community to help in the maintenance and minor repair of public schools nationwide in time for the opening of classes on June 4.
During the week-long event, students, parents, local government units and even business groups are enjoined to pool their efforts towards making school a clean and comfortable learning environment for children.
On the other hand, private entities, as stakeholders in education are also enjoined to contribute to the project where donations are not limited only to physical goods but services as well.
Volunteers in the Brigada Eskwela paint walls, cement footpaths, repair faulty plumbing, replace leaky roofs or even tend the school garden.
"The true value of Brigada Eskwela is on how well we can teach our children the essence of cooperation and community involvement", said Lapus in a press report.
Data obtained from the Department of Education revealed that some 29, 215 public schools have participated in last year's activity which generated a total of P2.031 billion worth of services and donated goods.
This year, DepEd targets an increase in the number of schools and volunteers who will participate.
"Our schools benefit not only from better classrooms and facilities, but also from the goodwill of people who exert effort to spend time and share what they have to improve our schools. Our bayanihan spirit is very much alive in Brigada Eskwela", said Lapus.
(PIA)