MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) bagged an Anvil Award for their highly-successful yearly effort to bring in the participation of the community and the entire private sector to prepare public schools for the June school opening. The National Schools Maintenance Week (NSMW) or the “Brigada Eskwela”, initiated during the term of former Education Secretary Edilberto de Jesus under the master-plan and guidance of former Education Undersecretary for Finance and Administration Juan Miguel Luz, won an Anvil Award of Merit given by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.
DepEd was the only government line agency to win an award this year in the prestigious search.
The award was received by Education Secretary Armin Luistro together with De Jesus and Luz, with the latter being present to recognize their pioneering role in the program. Brigada Eskwela which started in 2003 enjoins the participation of the whole community to do repairs and clean up of schools prior to the opening of classes, thus effectively reviving the dying bayanihan spirit.
Luistro said the award brings home the point that private sector participation is important in improving the quality of education in the public school system.
“The award is very timely since three months from now we will once again call on the community stakeholders for another round of Brigada Eskwela and we hope for a more enthusiastic response,” said Luistro.
By Rainier Allan Ronda
The Philippine Star, February 24, 2011