How Brigada Eskwela makes a difference
WHEN more than 21 million public school students return to their respective schools on June 1, most of them will find their schools cleaner and more beautiful than when they left them before the summer vacation.
Thanks to the tens of thousands of Brigada Eskwela volunteers who contributed their time, resources and, most important, their sweat to do minor repairs, painting, and cleaning of public school premises.
The volunteers came from all walks of life – students, teachers, school officials, parents, community members, policemen, soldiers, firemen, local government officials, nongovernment organizations, church groups, and private sector representatives.
Some came for a day, others for a couple of days, still others for one whole week. But they all came with one purpose. They all realized that while government has the main responsibility of providing free and quality education for every Filipino child and youth, the community has just an important stake in achieving this goal.
They have all come to realize that keeping schools clean and beautiful is an innovative way to bring children to school, keep them there, and ensure that they will learn.
Brigada Eskwela has its roots in Republic Act 8525, which was enacted during the time of President Ramos. The Adopt-a School Program aimed to encourage volunteerism and publicprivate partnership in public education. RA 8525 provided tax incentives for private interventions in schools. It is estimated that over the years, Adopt-a School Program has generated more than 6 billion in public school projects.
During the time of President Arroyo, the Brigada Eskwela took effect with the launching of National Schools Maintenance Week every third week of May starting 2003.
DepEd reports that in 2007, “Brigada Eskwela hit a record high of 90% participation among school communities, generating more than 2.5 billion worth of support-in-kind and volunteer man hours. It has proven to continue to gain more mileage among communities, corporations, smallmedium enterprises, government and non-government organizations, and private individuals.
DepEd concludes: “Indeed, Brigada Eskwela is becoming DepEd’s model of genuine public and private partnership in action.”
A volunteer explains the success of the program. Brigada Eskwela benefits not just the recipient. It is just as beneficial and uplifting to the volunteer.
Vernon Go, a young Cebu professional who regularly participates in Brigada Eskwela, blogged about his experience at a public high school in Mandaue.
“We woke up real early on a Saturday to join Brigada Eskuwela to help clean and beautify this small public high school. And so we moved some furniture and some of us helped clean their computers and did some hardware testing as well. We cleaned the room’s ceiling fans and windows.
“With the help of student volunteers, we repainted the armchairs as well as the stairway rails. We even saw brave souls who took on the task of cleaning the school restrooms.
“We also swapped stories and gave encouraging words to student volunteers who helped us during the activity while taking a photo break or two. Eventually, we got tired and took a water-food break with chit chats in between. And soon enough, it was back to work. But with everyone’s help, we finished earlier than expected.
“With everyone gathered, we imparted some of our life lessons with regards to education and environmental awareness. After all the talk, it was time for games and entertainment.
“To show our appreciation, we also shared our food together with give-away school supplies to the 30 student volunteers.
“Friendship was the bond created between the volunteers and students. Perhaps this event can become a memory shared by us for life.”
I have seen many photos of Brigada Eskwela events with participants wielding native brooms (walis tingting). A very fitting symbol, I would say, of the collective strength of the public and private sectors when bound by a unity of purpose.