The Department of Education (DepEd) officially launched the commencement of Brigada Eskwela 2021 through a National Kick Off Ceremony held on August 3, Monday, with the theme “Bayanihan para sa Paaralan,” hosted by Schools Division Office of Tagum City, DepEd Region XI. The event was held live at the Tagumpay Theatre in Tagum City, as well as virtually via Zoom Teleconference broadcasted live via DepEd’s Facebook page, and participated in by DepEd officials and personnel, together with various stakeholders such as public and private partners, parents, and learners all over the country.
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Melanie P. Estacio shared how Tagum City is bonded with the spirit of unity and cooperation and how this program is a test of commitment for everyone amidst the pandemic.
Tagum City Schools Division Superintendent Josephine L. Fadul expressed her appreciation to the DepEd Central Office for choosing Tagum City Division as the host of the Brigada Eskwela 2021 National Kick Off Ceremony, wherein she cited Region XI and Tagum City’s remarkable initiatives in championing education programs. Dr. Fadul also emphasized that quality learning will continue despite the threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
DepEd Region XI RD Allan G. Farnazo emphasized the importance of education to strengthen and arm the children for their future. He also added that preparing the children to take their leadership function is a great challenge to all educators. Dr. Farnazo also expressed his appreciation to all for their strong commitment and support to the conduct of Bayanihan para sa Paaralan.
Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) President, Hon. Dakila Carlo E. Cua shared how Brigada Eskwela awakens the spirit of bayanihan in every Filipino. Gov. Cua also assures that this program is fully supported by all local government units across the country.
Hon. Congressman Roman T. Romulo, Chairperson of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture mentioned how all sectors tried hard to cope with the start of pandemic last year, most importantly the education sector. He shared how the education sector shifted from face-to-face to modular/online mode of learning. Cong. Romulo expressed his appreciation to all the teaching and non-teaching personnel for their hard work during these trying times.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture Hon. Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian shared the importance of volunteerism to deliver quality education despite the current situation. He encourages everyone to work together to provide a better future for all Filipino children.
Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships Service and Project Management Service Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq clarified that the 2021 Brigada Eskwela Program is very different from the traditional one because of the current pandemic situation. Usec. Umali mentioned that this year’s Brigada Eskwela is focused on Brigada Pagbasa and Home Learning Spaces.
DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones highlighted the importance of Brigada Eskwela in preparation for every school year opening. Sec. Briones also mentioned calamities and incidents wherein Filipino bayanihan were tested during those times and shared that some DepEd regulations and memoranda were adjusted to adapt in the situation to continue providing quality education. She also shared that President Duterte allowed DepEd to initiate pilot studies in conducting face-to-face classes as it is a very important component of the learning process, but different COVID variants emerged which affected their decision to conduct the face-to-face learning.
Secretary Briones urged the public to refrain from finger-pointing and blaming, but go on with what we have and what we can do. She added to just focus on their work as educators and the official opening of classes on September 13, 2021. SLMB has also emphasized that education must continue and must be for all amidst any situation. Another challenge she shared is the series of natural disasters, political circumstances, and the start of pandemic last year. She highlighted that the department has learned to continue and adjust along the way.
Brigada Eskwela is a testament that the Filipino bayanihan will always be alive. The Literacy Coordinating Council is one with the Department of Education in celebrating the bayanihan spirit through Brigada Eskwela 2021. We encourage everyone to join hands and work together to achieve our dream of inclusive and quality basic education for all Filipinos.
DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela (BE) 2021 will be implemented from August 3 to September 30, 2021 as part of the schools’ preparations on the opening of school year 2021-2022. For more details, the BE 2021 guidelines may be accessed at https://www.deped.gov.ph/2021/08/03/august-2-2021-dm-048-s-2021-2021-brigada-eskwela-implementing-guidelines/.
Jonnabel D. Escartin