As schools across the province prepare to welcome learners for the opening of classes on June 8, the Iloilo Provincial Government reinforced its commitment to quality education by providing infrastructure and learning support during the provincial kickoff of Brigada Eskwela at Sto. Niño Elementary School in San Miguel.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias and Provincial Education Management Office (PEMO) chief Maria Alfreda Fajardo turned over a P100,000 check to Sto. Niño Elementary School for the purchase of monoblock chairs.
The assistance comes on top of a P3.5-million covered gymnasium funded by the provincial government, which is set for turnover to the school in the coming months.
The provincial government also joined teachers, parents, and community volunteers in a cleanup drive as part of the nationwide Brigada Eskwela campaign, an annual initiative of the Department of Education (DepEd) that mobilizes stakeholders to help prepare public schools for the opening of classes.
Banias underscored the value of collective action in improving learning environments.
“We have this Brigada Eskwela because madamo ang mamobilize naton,” he said, emphasizing how the program encourages the participation of various sectors in supporting schools.
Apart from the provincial government's contribution, other stakeholders also donated Smart TVs, school supplies, and educational equipment to schools across Iloilo, demonstrating a shared commitment to enhancing the learning experience of students.
Dr. Ruby Therese Palmaira-Almencion, Schools Division Superintendent of the DepEd Division of Iloilo, stressed that Brigada Eskwela plays a crucial role in ensuring schools are safe, clean, and ready for learners.
“Sa isa ka semana, naga-Brigada Eskwela kita para preparahan ang aton eskwelahan. Matinlo-an siya para sa pagsulod sang aton mga kabataan sa first day of school, ma-eskwela na lang sila kag kumportable sila,” Palmaira-Almencion said.
She also appealed for sustained community participation, noting that education is a shared responsibility.
“Ginapangabay guid ang aton mga ginikanan kag pumuluyo nga magbulig sa DepEd kay indi naton masarangan kung kami lang. Tani sigehon naton ang pag-support sa eskwelahan,” she added.
The school community welcomed the assistance from the provincial government.
Sto. Niño Elementary School head John Dave Aligarbes expressed gratitude for the support extended to the school.
“Madamu gid nga salamat sa aton Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.,” he said.
Brigada Eskwela, whose theme centers on bayanihan and community partnership, seeks to engage local governments, private organizations, civic groups, parents, and volunteers in preparing schools for the incoming academic year. Activities typically include school cleanups, minor repairs, repainting, landscaping, and donations of learning materials and equipment.
With continued support from the provincial government and various stakeholders, schools in Iloilo are expected to become more conducive and learner-friendly as thousands of students return to classrooms for the new school year.
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