Brigada Eskwela kicks off today

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education’s National Schools Maintenance Week (NSMW), more popularly known as Brigada Eskwela Week, will start today with the 43,000 public schools nationwide opening their doors to their respective communities for much-needed cleaning and beautification in preparation for the school opening on June 10.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus will lead the launching of the Brigada Eskwela Week today at the H. Bautista Elementary School in Marikina City, where he will watch coordinated efforts of school officials, parents and members of the community to spruce up the school.

Lapus expressed confidence that the Brigada Eskwela Week from June 2 to 7 will be able to generate more participation and assistance from their respective communities this year.

Brigada Eskwela, launched in 2003, is a nationwide schools maintenance program that draws all education stakeholders – including the private sector — to contribute their time, efforts and resources to ensure that public schools are physically ready for the opening of classes.

While no cash donations are accepted, materials for cleaning, repair and beautification can be contributed.

Meanwhile, both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines assured that all security preparations are in place for the forthcoming opening of classes.

PNP chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. said the PNP is ready to implement a nationwide security and public safety plan for the 20.8 million elementary and high school students expected to troop to schools for the simultaneous opening of classes in both public and private institutions.

In Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy 4,000 personnel from the five police districts to conduct foot, mobile and police visibility patrols in strategic areas within the vicinity of schools.

Razon has also issued Letter of Instruction 25/08 dubbed Operation Plan “Balik Paaralan” to all PNP Regional Offices and National Support Units which details the specific tasks and instructions for PNP units to respond to peace and order concerns including threats from criminal elements.

Capt. Carlo Ferrer, spokesman for the military’s NCR Command, said the composite battalion, composed of about 500 soldiers from reconnaissance companies of the 7th, 5th and 2nd infantry divisions earlier deployed to back the PNP in preventing bank robberies in Quezon City, would also secure areas near campuses.

“Usually we are watching out for criminal activities such as snatching and holdup, so our forces that we sent earlier to support the PNP would remain,” he said.

Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual, chief of the army’s Civil Military Operations Battalion added: “We have earlier deployed troops in communities near schools in Tondo and in Sta. Mesa. They have been staying there for quite some time. Somehow they are providing round the clock security because they are staying in the area.”

He did not say, however if there would be fresh deployment of troops to secure students and campuses in Metro Manila.

Aside from providing security, the AFP also helps in DepEd’s “Brigada Eskwela” program. - With James Mananghaya, Cecille Suerte Felipe