“Nangangapudan ako sa gabos, an edukasyon bako lang responsibilidad kan eskwelahan. Bako lang solong responsibilidad kan maestro [asin] maestra, kundi responsibilidad kan gabos na tawo na nakapalibot sa sarong aki. We are lucky here in Camarines Sur—the local government units, the private sectors, and the Provincial Government are with us in making a child a reader and a learner,” said Dr. Gilbert Sadsad, Department of Education – Regional Office V (DepEd ROV) Regional Director in his message during the 2022 Regional Brigada Eskwela and Brigada Pagbasa Kick-Off program.
With the theme, “Tugon sa Hamon ng Ligtas na Balik-Aral,” the 2022 Regional Brigada Eskwela and Brigada Pagbasa Kick-Off Program, hosted by the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Camarines Sur, was held at Don Servillano Platon Memorial National High School in Sta. Cruz, Tinambac, Camarines Sur on August 9, 2022. The launching of this year’s Brigada Eskwela was participated by the Schools Division Superintendents (SDS) of the various SDOs from across the region and its officials, law enforcement units, students, teachers, and stakeholders. Gracing the event was Governor Luigi Villafuerte representing the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur and Mayor Ruel B. Tuy as the head of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tinambac.
In accordance to DepEd (DO) Memorandum No. 062, series of 22 or the “2022 Brigada Eskwela Implementing Guidelines,” the school activity, aside from the usual cleanup drives and maintenance activities in preparation for the schools’ re-opening of classes, also tackles the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the learning gaps and social issues. These will be done through close partnerships with various education stakeholders as well as working collaboratively with local and national government units.
As part of the education partnership, the stakeholders guaranteed to offer their time, efforts, and resources in accordance to the schools’ needs. Among the support from the stakeholders were brand new laptop units and pairs of slippers turned-over to the DepEd ROV for the identified elementary and secondary school student-beneficiaries in the province.
In connection with the Brigada Eskwela Kick-Off Program, the Provincial Government, with its full support to the collaborative efforts of DepEd and its partners to ensure the students’ safe return to school, granted an assistance amounting to P100,000 in addition to the event’s fund source.
The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, under the leadership of Governor Villafuerte, aims to provide quality education to the Camarinenses through the continuous grant of scholarship programs and educational assistance, establishment of provincially-managed colleges in remote areas, and building and renovating various infrastructures in public schools. Furthermore, the ongoing establishment of public Wi-Fi and upcoming plans for the modern digital classrooms will benefit not just the future students to be well-equipped with advanced technological knowledge, but also the community for potential development and innovations.
Pursuant to DO Memorandum No. 034, series of 2022 titled, “School Calendar and Activities for the School Year 2022-2023,” this year’s Brigada Eskwela Program will be implementated from August 1, 2022 until August 26, 2022, in time for the start of blended learning classes on August 22, 2022.
