Isang DepEd, Isang, Pamayanan, Isang Bayanihan Para sa Handa at Ligtas na Paaralan.

The spirit of volunteerism is alive! 20 schools division of Region 4A – CALABARZON flocked to Chipeco Hall, Calamba City last May 15 to show their strong support in the celebration of the National Schools Maintenance Week or commonly known as Brigada Eskwela,

The 500 volunteers from different sectors were warmly welcomed by the SDO Calamba City SDS Dr Eugenia R. Gorgon, ASDS Lourdes T. Bermudez, and other division officials from Calamba City.

Among the guests were Laguna Vice Governor Atty. Karen Agapay, Congressman Joaquin Chipeco Jr., Laguna Board Member Ruth Mariano Hernandez, and Laguna Industry and Science Park Project Coordinator Ces Alano. Calamba City Officials led by Mayor Justin Chipeco, Vice Mayor Ross Rizal, and Councilors Cha Hernandez, Gigi Alcasid, Angelito Lazaro, Dian Espiridion, and Johnny Lazaro were also present. Other attendees were DepEd Regional Director Diosdado San Antonio and Officials, and PTA Officers. Representatives and supervisors from Bureau of Fire, Philippine National Police, and other non-government organizations were also present in the regional kick-off.

It was indeed a triumphant activity for DepEd family and the community as the event showcased how the community was united for a common good – to help school children in their needs for the coming school year, which defines the true spirit of bayanihan.

“Ang brigade eskwela ay tunay na bayanihan. Ito ay ipinagmamalaki natin sa buong mundo. Naipapakita natin ang pagmamalasakit at pagmamahalan. This is all about our children that we ought to serve,” San Antonio expressed.

Congressman Chipeco added that the Brigada Eskwela is an avenue for communities to help schools prepare for the upcoming first day of classes.

“Sa panahon ng kalamidad, pagdiriwang at iba pang mga pagkakataon ang opisina ng ating pamahalaan ay bukas upang magbigay ng tulong,” Chipeco said.

The event also became a platform for local leaders and stakeholders to express their strong commitment and support in all the programs and projects of DepEd for the education needs of the children.

“With its Program on Child Friendly Governance – the [Laguna] Office has processed 50,000 documents for children without birth certificates. Through the scholarship program, Laguna has around 12,000 scholars and we will augment this by the end of the quarter to 15,000”, Laguna Vice Governor Agapay explained.

Furthermore, Calamba City Vice Mayor Rizal added that the city has allocated 424 M School Education Fund (SEF). In the next 18 months, the Calamba City City Sports Complex will rise along with other facilities such as the Convention Center and Track and Field Facility. The city has also passed the resolution and ordinance to advocate Barangay Zero Out of School Youth.

Calamba City Mayor Chipeco also expressed his support in helping the department in further developing programs and their students. “Ang city government ay kaagapay ninyo para sa lahat ng programa na may kinalaman sa pag-papaunlad ng kakayahan, pisikal at kagalingang panlipunan ng ating mga kabataan. Malaki ang naitutulong ng pondo ng Local School Board para sa pagpapatayo ng mga paaralan, pagbili ng lupa at mga gamit sa paaralan,” he explained.

The Brigada Eskwela is an annual event conducted by the Department of Education. This 2017, the program will start from May 15 and will end on the 20th. During the week-long event, DepEd Officials, communities, and other volunteers will help prepare and fix schools in time for the first day of classes. (Randy D. Punzalan, SEPS/DIO-Calamba City)