By: Jezza Marie I. Bungualan, Teacher II
Calumpang National High School
SDO Laguna
The role of stakeholders is significant in delivering quality education today. They are the partner of the educators and school leaders in making the schools conducive to teaching and learning and suitable for all diverse learners. They are also responsible for the achievement of the learning outcomes through their active participation in school activities, programs, and projects. In line with this, the Department of Education is always committed in providing a safe and secure haven of learning for the students through a rigid preparation before opening of classes with the program Brigada Eskwela.
In preparation for the opening of face-to-face classes after two years of implementation of distance learning due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Education released DepEd Memorandum No. 062, s. 2022 or the Brigada Eskwela Implementing Guidelines for School Year 2022-2023. With the theme Tugon sa Hamon ng Ligtas na Balik-Aral, this BE, will run from August 1 to 26, and shall continue with the year-round implementation of Brigada Pagbasa and Brigada Eskwela Plus. BE will highlight the country’s collective efforts from various partnership engagements, creating a safe learning environment for the learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and community while ensuring the quality and accessible education will be deliver to Filipino learners.
For the last two years, classrooms and the whole school vicinity were not utilized due to restrictions and closure to ensure the safety and health of the learners, teachers, and school staff. Thus, Brigada Eskwela focused on cleaning, school maintenance and repair to prepare the classrooms and address the gaps in school facilities and resources for the reopening of classes this school year. Brigada Pagbasa will also continue as one of the activities of BE in response to Hamon: Bawat Bata Bumabasa based on DepEd Memorandum No. 173, s. 2019 that will cater the gap in reading. To attain the objectives of Brigada Eskwela activities, the support and collaboration of different stakeholders is significant which are partners of Department of Education in providing a safe, secure, and inclusive environment for the learners.
The BE activities that focus on addressing the challenges in reopening of classes from the pandemic is vital to achieve a quality education. But teachers, cannot do this alone. The partnership with parents, local government and other stakeholders is essential to attain the purpose of these activities. Teachers and school leaders were grateful that the stakeholders are committed in helping the school in different activities that will benefit the learners and ensure the achievement of quality education towards global competitiveness.
Filipino values like Bayanihan and Volunteerism are also showcased in Brigada Eskwela. The partnership of the school and stakeholders is the reason behind the success of these activities. Indeed, the true value of Brigada Eskwela is how we show and put in to practice the essence of collaboration and volunteerism. In this way, we can also inculcate to every learners, the Filipino values up to this digital environment through cooperation and community involvement which is the key towards nation building.
