‘Brigada Eskwela’ frenzy is on

Government agencies are moving on a fast clip with the private sector to ensure the hassle-free start of school year 2019-2020 in both private and public learning institutions under the “Brigada Eskwela” program.

Among those deep into preparations to welcome students back are the Department of Transportation (DoTr), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine National Police and even the Philippine Drug Enforcement Administration (PDEA).

For Metro Manila, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has ordered his men to be on hand in the cleanup and in doing carpentry work for minor repairs of classrooms and desks.

The head of the National Capital Region Police Office, Eleazar asked his five district directors to check all the schools in their jurisdictions to help in the cleaning and to ensure the security of comebacking students.

The “Brigada Eskwela” is a week-long activity of DepEd that brings together teachers, parents and other members of the community to prepare classrooms in time for the opening of classes in June.

“We have to secure all our pupils and students from criminals, such as pickpockets and snatchers,” Eleazar said, adding police marshals shall be deployed to secure passengers of buses, UV Express, taxicabs and jeepneys.

PDEA has also coordinated with DepEd for anti-drug related initiatives to clamp down on sources of narcotics around schools. It has also conducted random testing of PUV drivers to weed out drug users among them that put their passengers in danger.

Meanwhile, Transportation Usec. Alberto Suansing said yesterday that DoTr has partnered with the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to fast-track road rehabilitation projects to ease traffic flow when classes start.

Suansing said that DoTr Secretary Arthur Tugade has ordered DoTr personnel, as well as those from its line and attached agencies, to initiate measures covering land, sea and air transportation, in anticipation of the return of vacationing students from the provinces.

With the midterm elections over, newly elected local government unit officials are also expected to buckle down to work to do their part in ensuring a smooth and trouble-free opening of classes.

With Pat C. Santos