Military to help in annual maintenance program of public schools

May 20, 2019

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed its units to support this year’s nationwide “Brigada Eskwela” which starts Monday until Friday.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) enjoined all its units in all levels of command to support the nationwide “Brigada Eskwela” from May 20 to 25, 2019,” Col. Noel Detoyato, AFP Public Affairs Chief, said.

Military personnel will assist the DepEd in its manpower requirements on different public elementary and secondary schools in the country, Detoyato said.

“Soldiers will be aiding the department and other volunteers in painting, repairing, cleaning, and sanitizing school facilities and classrooms nationwide for the students to have a clean and safe environment conducive to learning,” he added.

“Security personnel will also be available to ensure the safety and security for each deployment. Soldiers who are armed will only be in proximity and not inside of the school,” he added.

“Brigada Eskwela” or the national schools maintenance week is an annual program of the Department of Education (DepEd) which aims to bring stakeholders to prepare public school facilities for the school opening in June 3.

“The continuous involvement of the AFP in DepEd’s efforts manifests the military’s commitment to support government programs for the benefit of the youth and the society. It also shows that soldiers are not only tasked to defend the country’s territory and sovereignty but are also expected to improve the environment and well being of all Filipinos,” he added.

Detoyato said the participation of military personnel in the annual school maintenance activity will be coordinated through letter request from the school administration or at the least from the principal or school administrator.

He noted that aside from active soldiers, the AFP will also use reservists during Brigada Eskwela 2019.

Personnel from the General Headquarters, Joint Task Force National Capital Region, Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy will be deployed to assist in areas within Metro Manila, he said.

“Meanwhile, the Unified Commands will encourage units under their control to participate in the week-long activity. They are to prioritize public schools in geographically-isolated and depressed areas,” he noted. Robina Asido/DMS