PCWHS Joins DEPED Brigada Eskwela 2019
Joining the whole nation in its annual program of the Department of Education BRIGADA ESKWELA 2019, with the theme, “Matatag na Bayan para sa Maunlad na Paaralan”, the Pasay City West High School administrators, teachers, parents, students, alumni, barangay officials and other stakeholders jumpstarted the week-long activity with a parade on May 20, 2019 that span from Pasadeña St, going to F.B. Harrison St., Arnaiz Ave., Park Ave, and Galvez St.
The parade ended at the school gymnasium where the volunteers gathered for the opening program. Dr. Myrna B.Gaza, school principal, welcomed the participants before she formally opened the Brigada Eskwela 2019. The School Chorale, accompanied by the Angklung Ensemble, led the singing of the National Anthem as well as the Pasay March. Mrs. Chrismarilene R. Cabataña trained the Chorale while Miss Juliet Brioso took charge with the Ensemble. Mr. Rodolfo Ching did the opening prayer while Ms. Almeda Macaranas enumerated the different committees, working teams, and specific working areas. She also introduced the different stakeholders that took part in the said activity. Apart from helping the school in the maintenance of the facilities, other stakeholders donated some goods to be used by the students such as schools bags, school supplies, and books. Mr. Rizaldo Isales, this year’s Brigada Eskwela coordinator, stated the school workplan on Brigada Eskwela. Mr. Nicolas Bornillo Jr. emceed the program. The volunteers took their lunch after the program. Then, they started the cleaning and organizing of the Science laboratory room and its equipment.
May 21, 2019, the second day of the Brigada Eskwela was spent in the cleaning and repainting of the school fences and the faculty rooms. The press room was also relocated from Rm 204 to Rm 408 beside the English faculty room. Teachers and other volunteers from the PTA, SSG, utility workers, and parents joined forces on that day. Members of Soroptimist, an organization established by the Officer’s Ladies Club in the Philippines, came over to clean and repaint the school fences. They also gave gallons of paint, painting/cleaning materials, and a number of school supplies. In between the works, volunteers were treated to a bowl of warm porridge and a bottle of cold water courtesy of the English and Filipino departments.
May 22, 2019, volunteers from Tytanna Colleges, Rotary Club of Pasay, together with the parents, students and teachers did the cleaning of the classrooms as well as repairing and repainting of the school chairs. Then, Math and Science teachers organized their respective faculty rooms. MAPEH teachers did they share by cleaning the school gym while the Senior High school faculty cleaned their office.
On May 23, electrical connections and lighting facilities were repaired. Areas surrounding the water facilities were also cleaned. Practical Arts and Home Economics teachers organized their faculty rooms as well as their laboratory rooms and facilities. Administrators also did their share on that day by cleaning their offices. Even Dr. Gaza, school principal, herself was seen dusting some furniture.
The fifth day of the Brigada was spent in the rehabilitation of the school garden, weeding/replanting, installing of the school signage and masonry works. Social Studies and Values Education teachers joint forces in accomplishing the said tasks. They also cleaned and reorganized their faculty rooms.
Apart from cleaning and rehabilitating of the school, activities that promote good health were also done. Dr. Merlino Mateo, the school dentist, rendered a free dental check-up. There was also a free eye examination sponsored by Venicerein Eye Wear Center. The said firm also gave 20% discount for the price of the eye glasses. Volunteers were also given an ample time to shake off some fats and carbs through a Zumba dance activity given by Mr. Willex Abanes.
The week-long Brigada Eskwela formally closed in the afternoon of May 24, 2019. During the closing program, Mr. Ireneo Macaspag, the school’s Disaster Risk and Reduction Management coordinator, discussed the importance of disaster awareness. This was followed by an earthquake drill where volunteers, including the teachers and school administrators practiced the ‘duck, cover and hold’ technic as they vacated the gymnasium.
Indeed, this week-long Brigada Eskwela is fruitful and very valuable activity for it reflects how DepEd recognizes the importance of the community in making schools the best place not just for the teachers but most importantly for the learners to acquire the values and competencies they need to contribute to nation-building.