An Event to Linger

The attainment of quality education depends on the concerted efforts of the persons involved in the system.

Yearly, before the opening of the school year, everyone involved in the education sector is in joyful anticipation of a momentous event that showcases the undying spirit of oneness, generosity, camaraderie, and the ever-present bayanihan spirit. That is the Brigada Eskuwela – an annual event that began in 2008 by virtue of DepEd Order No. 24, s. 2008 which aims to prepare the schools in various aspects for the opening of a new school year.

The Division of San Carlos City is no exception. Even before the closing of the previous school year, Dr. Sheila Marie A. Primicias, the Schools Division Superintendent, had already started strategic planning on how the conduct of the said event could be successfully carried out. What added to this careful and thorough preparation is the fact that the San Carlos City Division will host the 2018 Brigada Eskuwela Regional Kick-Off. Series of meetings/conferences with the school heads took place especially with the heads of the three big schools, namely, Central I and Central II Elementary Schools and SEPNAS, as they will serve as “show windows” of the entire division.

Indeed, the preparation was no joke considering the standards already set by Dr. Primicias. With her servant leadership, everyone is motivated to perform at his/her best potential. Next to the series of meetings and conferences are constant monitoring and follow-up if things are going on as planned. May I quote Mr. Raymundo B. Ambanloc, the principal of SEPNAS, saying: “If we have Father Robert Reyes as “running” priest, now in the San Carlos City Division we have a “running” superintendent because she is always on the go and she also keeps us moving. We have to keep pace with her and the results are good.”

For this year’s Brigada Eskuwela, the response from civic-minded individuals and groups is overwhel

ming. Donations in cash and in kind poured like rain so a lot of work have been accomplished. The big day came and to the delight of DepEd San Carlos City, things ran smoothly. From the assembly for the motorcade until its departure and arrival, the arrival of the dignitaries, the conduct of the opening program, the school visitation and up to performance of activities prepared in such chosen schools, every piece of the planned events fell right into place. The holding of the opening program alone showed how the entire division of San Carlos City worked together for the commencement until the conclusion of the momentous event. Thousands of people flocked to the Federico Mandapat Sports Dome, ready to welcome the high-ranking DepEd officials with Undersecretary Tonisito M.C. Umali, the guest of honor and speaker; the DepEd regional officials and the delegations from the other 14 divisions within the region. Such gesture is commendable that even a lowly bystander would be impressed at how synchronized each part of the big day was.

Achievement of quality education is not at all an elusive dream. Everything is possible if only we believe in the power of synergy, if we continue the bayanihan spirit and exercise volunteerism, civic-mindedness, and the passion to serve. When things get rough, let us renew our commitment in doing our mandate and always think that what we are doing is para sa bata at para sa bayan. Tayo para sa edukasyon and Brigada Eskuwela is our starting point.

By: Evelyn Mendoza