QUEZON CITY (PIA) – Almost 500 volunteers convened for the Brigada Eskwela 2023 kickoff in Quezon City at the Commonwealth Elementary School (CES), Friday, August 11.

With the theme, “Bayanihan para sa Matatag na Paaralan,” volunteers gathered hoping to provide students a clean and conducive classroom in time for their first day of classes.

Principals and teachers from all over the city, members of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, stakeholders, partners and school personnel were among the participants.

The volunteers in CES were provided with adequate cleaning materials like brooms, dust pans, and rugs that they can use for the clean-up drive.

In her speech, CES Principal Dr. Wilma Manio highlighted the importance of Brigada Eskwela in enhancing school environments for the youth by showcasing the collective commitment of the community.

For her part, Department of Education (DepEd) Dir. Margarita Consolacion shared the value of “Bayanihan” as a core fundamental of the annual activity. She emphasized the significance of promoting community engagement, school preparedness, and a sense of shared responsibility in maintaining a conducive learning environment for our children.

In a statement  on Monday, August 07, Vice President and concurrent DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte underscored the spirit of “Bayanihan” in the annual conduct of Brigada Eskwela.

“Brigada Eskwela or schools maintenance week is an appeal to the bayanihan spirit of every filipino to help prepare our schools for the opening of classes. Yung ayaw pong tumulong wag ng piilitin,” she said.

“Brigada eskwela pina-simple namin (in simple terms), it is just making our schools functional clean and orderly inside and  outside the classrooms,” VP Duterte added.

Brigada Eskwela which started in 2008 is an annual activity done in public schools nationwide to encourage community-wide participation in cleaning and repairing schools before the beginning of the school year.

Public schools may receive in-kind donations and volunteer services all year round. To donate, kindly visit the nearest public school in your area. (PIA-NCR)