The annual Brigada Eskwela, or National School Maintenance Week, kicks off today with a caravan.
In Cebu, Schools Division Superintendent Arden D. Monisit said the launching program and caravan will be held in Camotes.
This year’s theme is “Tayo Para sa Kalinisan, Kaligtasan at Kahandaan ng Ating mga Paaralan.”
The activity will be held on May 18-23 across the country. Classes will open on June 1.
Brigada Eskwela espouses the spirit of volunteerism.
Aside from the parents, other stakeholders like the local government units, national government agencies and nongovernment organizations are also encouraged to take part in the annual activity, said Juliet A. Jeruta, Department of Education (DepEd) officer-in-charge for Central Visayas in a memorandum to division superintendents in the region.
Participants are encouraged to contribute their time, effort and resources in preparing school facilities for the incoming school year.
To prepare for the Brigada Eskwela, Mabolo National High School (Day and Night) and Bagong Lipunan Elementary School held their annual Stakeholders’ Summit on Friday.
Mabolo NHS principal Emiliano Piquero said the summit was aimed at raising awareness and getting the commitment of the stakeholders, parents and students to support the activity.
In his state of the school address, Piquero cited concerns on flooding, sanitation and dropout rates.
He reported the following achievements: refurbishment of cultural center, drainage system, cementing of pathway, pocket garden, installation of apiary, improvement of water system, minor repair of classrooms and construction of benches in the pocket garden.
SFO3 Daniel Relatado of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said they will conduct a fire drill, an earthquake drill and a fire safety inspection.
PO2 Panchenco Pulgo of the Mabolo Police Station, for his part, said they will conduct anti-bullying and anti drug abuse seminars for the students. Pulgo added that a team will be deployed for the beautification and preparation of the school while another team will ensure safety.
Other stakeholders who renewed their commitment were the 53rd Engineering Brigade, SM City Cebu, and Sykes Asia, Inc./ Kateleen Marie C. Ogabang, SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY INTERN