WHEN classes start on June 4, the Cebu City Schools Division will make sure that public schools are ready not only with clean classrooms but also with an environment that is safe for everyone.
City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Bianeto Dagatan said this year's Brigada Eskwela goes beyond the preparation of the facilities.
"It is not solely about the physical structure of the building. We have to go beyond that to include the preparation of the learners, the teachers, the resources needed and even the training of teachers. That is still part of Brigada Eskwela," he said in an interview during the launching of Brigada Eskwela at the Labangon Elementary School yesterday morning.
He added that Brigade Eskwela is not only about making the classrooms ready but also making it safe.
"The schools may be ready and may look beautiful, but how about the lighting or the electrical connection and the water connection? Is it safe, is there any leak?" Dagatan said.
Yesterday's activity saw parents, students, teachers, private organizations and other volunteers doing manual labor to make the schools ready.
"As a parent, we have to participate in the BrigadaEskwela because it is a kind of responsibility for us also since our children attend classes here. The school educates my child so in return, I will help the school by participating in this activity," said Jesebel Waskin, 28, one of the parents who helped out in Labangon Elementary School.
As for the concern on whether or not the city's schools have enough classrooms for the students who have enrolled, Dagatan said that they have adjusted in the past years and have maximized the use of the classrooms by holding night classes.
In a school that has only 40 classrooms, he said that it can hold 80 classess—40 during the day and another 40 at night. (With Sarah Aunzo, PIT Intern)
