IN PHOTOS: Brigada Eskwela 2019 kicks off nationwide
QUEZON CITY. Stakeholders participate in Brigada Eskwela at the Corazon Aquino Elementary School. Photo by Jire Carreon/Rappler
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.
BAGUIO CITY. Students participate in the annual Brigada Eskwela at the Mabini Elementary School in Baguio City. Photo by Mau Victa/Rappler
ISABELA. In Alicia, Isabela, teachers, parents, barangay officials, and volunteers kick off the 2019 Brigada Eskwela at the Alicia South Central School. Photo courtesy of Son Reyes
ANGELES CITY. The community of Angeles City Science High School helps in fixing and cleaning the campus for the upcoming school year. Photo courtesy of Mark Reyes
ANGELES CITY. Parents, pupils, stakeholders, and staff of Salapungan Elementary School take part in the launch of Brigada Eskwela in Angeles City. Photos by Allena Juguilon/Rappler
QUEZON. Policemen volunteer in the conduct of Brigada Eskwela at the Catanauan Central School in Catanauan, Quezon. Photo from Catanauan Police's Facebook page
RIZAL. Police personnel of the San Mateo Police Station take part in the Brigada Eskwela at the Maly Elementary School. Photo from San Mateo Police's Twitter page
IFUGAO. Policemen troop to the Ujah Elementary School in Banaue town to volunteer in the conduct of Brigada Eskwela. Photo from Banaue Police's Twitter page
MAKATI CITY. Hundreds of individuals join the opening program of Brigada Eskwela at the Rizal Elementary School in Makati City. Photo courtesy of Bryan Beran
NUEVA ECIJA. Students clean the premises of Burgos Elementary School in Burgos Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, as part of the annual Brigada Eskwela. Photo courtesy of Jocelyn Florentino
BACOLOD CITY. Volunteers sweep dried leaves at the Bacolod City National High School. Photo from Vice Mayor Ed Familiaran's Facebook page
SURIGAO DEL NORTE. Alumni and volunteers take part in the conduct of 2019 Brigada Eskwela at the Mainit National High School in Surigao del Norte. Photo courtesy of Salino Ricky
BUTUAN CITY. Policemen participate in Brigada Eskwela at the Babag Elementary School. Photo from Training Service Regional Special Training Unit 13's Twitter page
MANDAUE CITY. Volunteers sweep off trash at the Canduman National High School in Madaue City. Photo from Mandaue Police Station 6's Twitter Page
– Rappler.com
