Community Mobilizes to Prepare Antique National School for New Academic Year

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, ANTIQUE — Parents and volunteers gathered at Antique National School (ANS) this Monday to participate in Brigada Eskwela, a community-led initiative aimed at preparing the school for the upcoming academic year starting on July 29. The event saw stakeholders repainting classrooms, repairing furniture, and cleaning the school grounds to welcome approximately 7,000 students.

According to Philippines News Agency, the effort ensures that teachers can focus on educational activities rather than maintenance tasks on the first day of classes. “With the classrooms ready for the learners during their first day of class, teachers could proceed with their class orientation since they do not have to spend their whole day cleaning up,” Jomolo explained in a Tuesday interview.

The Brigada Eskwela, running from July 22-27, also prioritizes health and safety by eliminating potential breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes. With the shift from double to single session classes this year, the school has added three makeshift classrooms constructed from bamboo and galvanized iron sheets to accommodate all students.

Jomolo highlighted the collaborative spirit of the event, noting plans to discuss additional support with parents during the upcoming Parent Teachers Association meeting, specifically requesting voluntary contributions of cement for the floors of the new classrooms. He reassured that no compulsory contributions would be demanded from parents for the Brigada Eskwela activities.

The Department of Education (DepEd) in Antique kicked off the Brigada Eskwela with a caravan from Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park followed by a program at Barbaza National High School. Themed ‘Bayanihan Para sa Matatag na Paaralan,’ the weeklong activity emphasizes the collective effort of the DepEd, parents, and stakeholders to bridge resource gaps in public schools, ensuring readiness for the new school year.