Initiated in 2003, Brigada Eskwela also known as Bayanihan sa Paaralan, is a nationwide voluntary activity that is primarily participated by teachers, parents, students, and other community members and organizations to do clean up and minor repairs as preparations for the school opening in June. This activity is usually done every third week of May or two weeks prior to the beginning of classes in all public schools.
DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro launched this year the 2013 National Schools Maintenance Week or Brigada Eskwela which was scheduled last May 20-25 with the theme “Isang Dekada ng Bayanihan sa Paaralan.” He said, “Ang Brigada ang pinakamahabang pagpapakita ng People Power sa Pilipinas,” emphasizing further that ordinary citizens’ participation during the said nationwide activity is a proof that heroes still exist.
The Institute of Computing of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP-IC), as part of its extension services, adopted San Roque Elementary School located at Porras Street, Barrio Obrero, Davao City during the 2013 Brigada Eskwela last May 24, 2013. This adoption aimed to offer a hand to San Roque Elementary School in cleaning and beautifying the school as preparation for the June 3, 2013 class opening. Participated by select faculty members and students of CS and IT departments, USEP-IC helped hand in hand with parents and elementary pupils in cleaning the classrooms, eradicating excess water in some flooded classrooms caused by heavy rains, cleaning clogged canals, beautifying gardens and other activities, which all ended successfully. USEP-IC, which aspires to establish and be known not only for its quality performance and exquisite output in the academe but also in the field of research and extension, has been extending services of this kind. Hence, its students and faculty members are encouraged to fully support activities involving community and social works for the attainment of this goal.
The activity exhibited camaraderie among students and faculty members of IC, elementary pupils and teachers of San Roque, and other community members who joined the said bayanihan. This activity proved that despite of individual differences; people can be empowered and be united to achieve a common goal for the benefit of the children which are the hope of our future.
