The Brigada Eskwela, or Schools Maintenance Week, has been an annual practice of collaboration among various sectors in the country. This event marks the commencement of r another school year. People from different walks of life are enjoined to participate in attaining a common goal, which is to provide a better and more conducive learning environment for the learners.

Vice President and Secretary of Education Sara Z. Duterte emphasized that Brigada Eskwela serves as an appeal to evoke bayanihan spirit in every Filipino and encouraged them to help prepare the schools for the opening of classes.

Anchored on this year’s theme, “Bayanihan Para sa Matatag na Paaralan,” the Brigada Eskwela underscores the country’s volunteer initiatives to ensure a clean, safe, inclusive, and child-friendly learning environment for learners and teaching and non-teaching personnel, as well as to strengthen resiliency of schools and basic education.

In the Caraga region, the Department of Education (DepEd) has institutionalized the act of volunteerism of the different stakeholders and contributes to the development of the learners may it be in public or private institutions.

Pastor Jezreel Pagaura, president of Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) of DepEd-Butuan City Division, emphasized that during the yearly conduct of the Brigada Eskwela, the spirit of volunteerism is observed among parents and other stakeholders, as they unite and converge their efforts in taking care of the needs of the learners through classroom clean-up, repair, repaint, and gardening, among others.

"The best thing about Brigada Eskwela is that different sectors are gathered to ensure that students will experience a clean, safe and conducive learning environment in the schools. For those working parents who could not join the Brigada Eskwela may contribute through donations of school supplies and/or cleaning materials," he said.

Raul Mahilum, principal of Agusan Pequeño Elementary School in Butuan City and the host school for the Brigada Eskwela in the city, recognized the efforts and contributions of the stakeholders, especially with the donations extended to them for the benefit of the learners.

"We are here gathered to make this Brigada Eskwela successful and ensure that necessary preparations for the opening of classes on August 29, 2023 is all set for our learners. We acknowledged everyone's active support and participation in the Brigada Eskwela," he said.

Together with the teachers of Agusan Pequeño Elementary School in Butuan City, they received the cleaning materials including paints and grasscutters, computer sets, various information, education and communication (IEC) materials, and school supplies, among others.

Atty. William Christian Dela Cruz, representing congressional representative Jose Aquino II of Agusan del Norte, urged different sectors to continue to work together and take active part to achieve the common goal of ensuring the rights and welfare of the learners are observed, and thrive more to sustain its gains in the implementation of the National Literacy Program of the government.

"It is the responsibility of every community composed of individuals or people to ensure that quality education is being provided to the children with a safe and secure learning environment," said Dela Cruz.

DepEd Caraga regional director Maria Ines Asuncion called on the different stakeholders to contribute to new ideas to make education better, if not the best.

"Together we can create conducive learning for our students. I am confident that with your dedication and passion in helping our students reach their full potential, we will have a fruitful Brigada Eskwela and successful activities for the learners," she said.

Dr. Minerva Albis, schools division superintendent of DepEd Butuan City Division, also highlighted that with the explicit support and participation of the parents and other stakeholders, the Brigada Eskwela and other campaigns of the schools division have been successful and have drawn more partners to sustain its gains in the implementation of the program.

"Our partners from various organizations and individuals play a vital role in our campaign to help the communities to have better schools and facilities for the learners, especially with the anticipated opening of classes on August 29, 2023. We are also thankful for those who handed their donations to the different district schools in the city," she said.

She added that in Brigada Eskwela, the true spirit of volunteerism and bayanihan were observed, which continue to inspire other people to also contribute to this endeavor.

All participating stakeholders expressed their support and commitment to contribute to the conduct of 2023 Brigada Eskwela by signing in the Wall of Commitment tarp during the kick-off event. They also participated in the information caravan within the city thoroughfares.

The Department has issued DO No. 21, s, 2023, or known as the 2023 Brigada Eskwela Implementing Guidelines, to guide schools on sustaining partnership engagement activities and ensure its alignment with the components of the MATATAG Agenda.

The MATATAG Agenda of the government will have four critical components: MAke the curriculum relevant to produce competent and job-ready, active, and responsible citizens; TAke steps to accelerate delivery of basic education facilities and services; TAke good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and Give support to teachers to teach better. (JPG, PIA-Caraga)