DepEd readies for Brigada Eskwela despite online classes

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is mobilizing for the conduct this week of the national schools maintenance program, popularly known as Brigada Eskwela, even with face-to-face classes still not allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brigada Eskwela 2021, DepEd said, will kick off tomorrow with a national virtual launch to be led by the Schools Division of Tagum City in Region 10.

The DepEd in a recent memorandum ordered schools division offices and regional offices to undertake their Brigada Eskwela from Aug. 3 to Sept. 30.

It ordered the implementation of Brigada Eskwela to comply with the required health standards, which include following social distancing measures and practicing proper hygiene consistent with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases guidelines.

The Brigada Eskwela is an annual weeklong activity of the DepEd wherein it draws on community and private sector participation to prepare public schools and make these ready to welcome students for the opening of classes.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones earlier said the opening of classes in public schools is on Sept. 12.

The Brigada Eskwela 2021 has adopted the slogan “Bayanihan para sa Paaralan” while the regional theme is “Handang Paaralan para sa Handang Pasukan” with a focus on promoting collaboration for safe living and addressing social issues and concerns in schools, at home and in the community.