Schools gear up for opening of classes

MANILA, Philippines — Public schools nationwide have begun preparations for the opening of classes next month.

Weeks before the official kickoff for the annual Brigada Eskwela, which will be held in General Santos City on May 29, the Department of Education (DepEd) directed schools to assess facilities and organize committees that will lead the maintenance activities.

Officially known as the National Schools Maintenance Week, Brigada Eskwela is an annual activity that brings together education stakeholders to prepare schools for the opening of classes.

The weeklong activity is scheduled from May 28 to June 2. Schools and partners, however, are allowed to conduct similar activities even before the official dates.

Last week, some 2,000 volunteers from TELUS International Philippines took part in the early Brigada Eskwela activity held at Quezon City High School and Kamuning Elementary School.

TELUS International president Jeffrey Puritt said the activity is part of the company’s commitment to give back to the community through its Days of Giving initiative.

“A core aspect of our caring culture at TELUS International is to ensure that our work environments are inclusive, addressing the needs of the differently abled and enabling a diverse workforce that reflects the population,” he said.

“We believe that by providing for students’ specific and individual learning requirements, they not only have an enriched environment for learning, but also an enriched outlook for a friendlier future, where they are empowered to reach their full potential, fueled by the inspiration, lessons and values they will learn from these schools,” he added.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones urged DepEd employees and private stakeholders to take part in maintenance activities.

“The school heads shall make the Brigada Eskwela program not just a tool for improving school facilities but also as a catalyst for achieving a higher learning outcome for the school,” she said.

“Brigada Eskwela Plus will be the mechanism to elevate the level of awareness and participation of education stakeholders in improving the quality of education,” she added.

This year’s Brigada Eskwela will focus on school maintenance and community-led efforts to improve school participation, reduce dropouts and improve student performance.

DepEd has yet to release the schedule for the opening of classes.