IN PHOTOS: Brigada Eskwela 2019 kicks off nationwide

MANILA, Philippines – Teachers, students, and volunteers trooped to public schools across the country on Monday, May 20, to “come and work together” for Brigada Eskwela 2019.

With the theme “Matatag na Bayan para sa Maunlad na Paaralan,” more community involvement and strengthened partnerships are expected during this year’s Brigada, according to the Department of Education (DepEd). 

In a Facebook post, DepEd said that people have a “common goal of nurturing lifelong learners whose values and competencies enable them to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.”

Launched in 2003, the annual event is a community-based program that aims to promote the bayanihan spirit among education stakeholders by preparing public school facilities for the upcoming school year. (READ: Brigada Eskwela pushes for better disaster preparedness in schools)

“More than painting or cleaning schools, we must also ensure that we provide our learners with the essentials of quality basic education,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in a message read at the official launch of Brigada Eskwela 2019 in Alfonso, Cavite, on May 16. 

Brigada Eskwela 2019 kicked off a week after the May 13 midterm elections. It will end on Friday, May 25, or a week before the opening of classes on June 3.

– Rappler.com