Staggering Response to Brigada Eskwela's Kick-off Day

Last Monday, the Department of Education (DepEd) led by Secretary Br Armin Luistro launched the 2013 National Schools Maintenance Week also dubbed as Brigada Eskwela.  The event took place with a bang  at an early schedule of 7 am at the Philippine School for the Deaf.  Brigada Eskwela will run from May 20 till the 25th.  With its anchor 

Now on it's 10th year of service and campaign, Brigada carries the theme “Isang Dekada ng Bayanihan sa Paaralan.”

“[Ang Brigada] ang pinakamahabang pagpapakita ng people power sa Pilipinas,” [The Brigada is the longest manifestation of people power in the Philippines] Bro. Armin said, adding that ordinary citizens’ participation in the event is proof that heroes still abound.

Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide voluntary effort which started in 2003, bringing together teachers, parents and the community to do clean up and repairs in public schools to prepare the facilities for the June school opening.

Undertaken in all public schools every third week of May or two weeks before classes begin, it is participated in by private organizations, individuals, national and local government agencies, local businesses, and international organizations and foundations, among others.

This year's fling has welcomed a lot of donations, sponsorships and volunteers from private and business sectors, and also celebrities like Liz Uy and Anne Curtis of Showtime.

Seen on the photo is AusAid Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell, Sec. Armin Luistro  and Anne Curtis painting the walls of the said school 

As Bro. Armin gracefully presented his gratitude to all who have been a part of the event he remarked, "Hindi mo kailangan maging sikat para makapaglingkod sa bayan, kailangan lang ay may puso, katulad ng kay Ms. Anne Curtis at sa lahat ng mga naging kabahagi ng Brigada Eskwela."

Volunteers paint classrooms, repair furniture, and clean up the school grounds. Materials and supplies are usually donated by the parents or by private businesses and foundations.  Luistro pointed out that Brigada Eskwela encourages the public to share their time, strength and resources in kind. “We do not accept cash,” he emphasized.

In 2012, Brigada Eskwela pooled more than P1.5 billion-worth of resources-in-kind and man hours by over 6 million volunteers in various parts of the country.