Parents in Sorsogon’s big school back Brigada Eskwela

By Benilda Recebido

SORSOGON CITY --- Despite the increasing budget for the Department of Education, stakeholders can still enhance public schools by participating in Brigada Eskwela. Mary Viel Frades demonstrated this on June 9, teaming up with parents and teachers to prepare Gubat National High School for classes starting June 16.

“As a parent, I believe it’s crucial to support our public schools,” said Frades, the mother of a grade 9 student.

“Our children receive a free education, and by contributing our time and effort during Brigada Eskwela, we are giving back,” she added.

Frades detailed her contributions, which included meeting with her child’s teacher and donating essential cleaning supplies. She, along with other parents, also dedicated time to cleaning both the interior and exterior of the classrooms.

Frades’ sentiment reflects the overarching message of Brigada Eskwela: community involvement is key to ensuring a safe and clean learning environment for all students.

She emphasized that parents should view their participation not as a time commitment, but as an investment in their children’s future and a vital contribution to the community.

“It’s not about the time spent; it’s about the impact,” she explained. “Knowing that my child will be attending a clean and well-maintained school, thanks to our collective efforts, brings immense peace of mind.”

Her enthusiasm for the upcoming school year is palpable, a sentiment echoed by many parents who also participated in the program. “The success of Brigada Eskwela relies on the joint efforts of parents, teachers, and the broader community, which creates a welcoming and conducive learning environment for students,” she added.

Principal Ave Mendizabal of GNHS, a school with an impressive enrollment of 4,620 students across all grade levels, 225 teachers, and 25 non-teaching staff, spoke passionately about the school’s readiness for the academic year.

“We have been proactively involved in Brigada Eskwela since 2022. This year, we completed significant pre-Brigada activities, including cleaning and maintaining our six-hectare campus, all within two weeks,” Mendizabal said.

He also highlighted the exceptional support from the school’s alumni, who have consistently donated to various projects, such as fencing, computers, and the construction of new buildings, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to their alma mater.

Head Teacher Emerson Eresmas shared details about the significant donations received this year. These include a sound system from the Schools, Parents, and Teachers Association; electrical equipment valued at P105,000; and an 85-inch interactive touch-screen TV from the Gubat Alumni Association. (PIA5/Sorsogon)

This year’s Brigada Eskwela has strengthened collaboration among teachers, parents and various stakeholders in the province as shown during its kick off in Gubat National High School, Gubat, Sorsogon. (Photo: PIA Sorsogon)