21 May 2013

"Brigada Eskwela" 2013

Brigada Eskwela 2013
The Department of Education (DepEd) will once again conduct its yearly National Maintenance Week or the Brigada Eskwela. It aims to enjoin the whole community to do repairs, maintenance, and clean up of schools prior to the opening of classes. It hopes to make schools ready for the students and teachers, engage the participation of community stakeholders in education, and revive the bayanihan spirit.

Scheduled on 20 to 25 May 2013, this year's Brigada, which is on its tenth year, carries the theme "Isang Dekada ng Bayanihan sa Paaralan."

"[Ang Brigada] ang pinakamahabang pagpapakita ng people power sa Pilipinas," Luistro said, adding that ordinary citizens' participation in the event is proof that heroes still abound.

Undertaken in all public schools every third week of May or two weeks before classes begin, it is participated in by private organizations, individuals, national and local government agencies, local businesses, and international organizations and foundations, among others.

Volunteers paint classrooms, repair furniture, and clean up the school grounds. Materials and supplies are usually donated by the parents or by private businesses and foundations. Luistro pointed out that Brigada Eskwela encourages the public to share their time, strength and resources in kind. "We do not accept cash," he emphasized.

In 2012, Brigada Eskwela pooled more than PhP 1.5 billion-worth of resources-in-kind and man hours by over 6 million volunteers in various parts of the country.