Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: Kalinaw News: AFP supports nationwide Brigada Eskwela 2019

Monday, May 20, 2019

Kalinaw News: AFP supports nationwide Brigada Eskwela 2019

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 20, 2019): AFP supports nationwide Brigada Eskwela 2019

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – 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.

The national schools maintenance week is an annual program spearheaded by the Department of Education (DepEd). It aims to bring together stakeholders to help prepare public school facilities in time for the school opening in June. This year’s theme is “Matatag na Bayan para sa Maunlad na Paaralan”.

During the week, military personnel will assist the DepEd in its manpower requirements on different public elementary and secondary schools in the country. 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.

The AFP’s participation will be properly coordinated through letter request from the School Administration or at the least from the Principal or School Administrator. Aside from active soldier, the AFP will maximize the utilization of 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. 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.

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.

Brigada Eskwela also enjoins parents, teachers, students, civic and business groups, local government units, non-government units, and other community residents. It also encourages participants to donate construction and cleaning materials or serve as volunteers for the week-long activity.

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 wellbeing of all Filipinos.