By Jomes Kemuel Ibañez
Guided by its core values of service, teamwork, and responsibility, close to 870 employee volunteers of City Savings Bank, Inc. helped prepare a better learning space for 230 public schools nationwide through the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela.
The bank’s employee volunteers along with DepEd officials, teachers, parents, and other members of the community cleaned, repaired, and repainted facilities before the new school year started in June.
During the national kick-off ceremony on May 16 at Alfonso Central School in Alfonso, Cavite, Education Secretary Leonor Briones highlighted the spirit of bayanihan evident during Brigada Eskwela.
In a message read on her behalf, she shared, “Today is one of those many occasions when Filipinos gather and prove that quality education is a top priority for our nation. Our countrymen from all walks of life volunteer their time, energy, and resources to ensure that the youth will have a clean, safe, and conducive learning environment come the first day of class.”
Principal Romeo Bandal of Eulogio Rodriguez Integrated School in Manila expressed his gratitude to the bank.
“CitySavings’ contribution to our school will be of great help in improving the physical atmosphere of the classroom. This will promote learning and create a positive and safe environment,” said Bandal.
In Cebu City, Principal Rubelyn Mangilaya of Inayawan National High School highlighted how Brigada Eskwela will address a pressing problem in their school.
“Last school year, we had a huge dropout rate of 7 percent, due, for instance, to family related issues which are beyond our control. We want to change that by keeping our students in school. Hence we are thankful for Brigada Eskwela, the volunteers and stakeholders for helping us have a clean and orderly place to motivate our students to finish schooling. A better learning space leads to a better learning experience,” shared Mangilaya.
While in Davao City, Public School District Supervisor Dr. Johnito Galan emphasized the significant contribution of this education initiative.
Galan said, “The community owns the schools. Each member is responsible in promoting quality education for all, and one way of doing this is through Brigada Eskwela. We are thankful to our volunteers and stakeholders for contributing to a better learning environment.”