The Department of Education in Calabarzon (DepEd-4A) is leveraging the private sector’s support to ensure that the opening of classes in public schools later this month goes on smoothly, and with adequate logistical backing. The agency disclosed that private sector stakeholders nationwide have so far donated some PHP44 million to ‘Brigada Eskwela’ (BE) projects this year. The BE is a nationwide school maintenance program to welcome students and ensure a smooth opening of the school year. On Wednesday, top officials of DepEd-4A led the regional re-launch of BE at Jose Rizal Memorial School Auditorium in this town. Loida Nidea, assistant regional director of DepEd-Calabarzon, said the theme of BE this year is ‘Bayanihan Para Sa Matatag na Paaralan.’ ‘We want the children to have a good and proper school (opening)… we aim to raise public awareness and inspire active involvement in Brigada Eskwela,’ Nidea said during the event. In an earlier statement, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said, ‘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.’ Meanwhile, Nidea noted that the ‘collective efforts are vital in mobilizing both material and human resources as we rely on the generosity and volunteer service of our community members.’ She said the DepEd aims to ‘promote collaboration and resiliency in our basic education’ as she acknowledges the indispensable role played by parents, teachers, local government officials (LGUs) and the entire community. During the launching ceremonies, Nidea called teachers ‘modern heroes who are called to take care and foster stronger bonds with our partners and generate fresh ideas, programs, projects, activities, and avenues for collaboration.’ For his part, Calamba City Mayor Roseller Rizal said he will ‘ensure that the tangible reform will reach all public and private schools here [in Calamba].’ He quoted national hero Dr. Jose Rizal as saying that ‘without education and freedom, which is the land and sun of man, no reform will be possible.’ Mayor Rizal is the great-great-grandson of Patricio Rizal, who is said to be the half-brother of Jose Rizal.
Source: Philippines News Agency