Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela are the annual activities of all schools to prepare the school, teachers, parents, and learners for the opening of classes. However, these programs were reconfigured at the new normal to be locally implemented under the joint theme “Pagpapanatili ng Bayanihan Tungo sa Kalidad na Edukasyon para sa Kabataan”.

        Accordingly, the main purpose of the activities is an action for “Bayanihan sa Paaralan”. It is call to achieve the successful implementation of DepEd’s Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan (LCP), DepEd Commons, and OBE-BE Framework and Action Plan, respectively.

      Aimed at promoting sustainable and safe living, the reconfiguration of OBE and BE have highlighted the application of knowledge and convergence of efforts to address health and social issues at home, in school and community relative to the new framework.

Brigada in the New Normal

        Brigada Eskwela is deviated from the traditional concept of physical cleaning, painting, repainting, and doing minor repairs in schools and instead prioritizes preparations and strengthening partnership engagement to ensure that quality basic education will continue despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.

        Stakeholders can support the initiative by donating thermal scanners; hand sanitizing equipment or materials; and printing of COVID-19 and sanitation/proper hand washing hygiene information materials to aid BE and OBE in introducing protection and health protocols to learners and teachers.

        Brigada Eskwela will also engage partners in the promotion and provision of learning options such as local radio and TV stations and other available media, and the printing of self-learning modules for distance learning, as a form of partnership to deliver the basic education curriculum in the time of COVID-19.

OBE as info drive for LCP

        For the duration of the OBE initiative, Public Assistance Command Centers (PACC) is set up at the central, regional, and schools division offices nationwide.

         In partnership with BE, the OBE, headed by Undersecretary Jesse Lorenzo Mateo, it will focus on an information campaign on the implementation of the LCP of the Department in light of the COVID-19 situation in the country.

        Consequently, OBE will ensure that every question from parents and learners in relation to new and adjusted DepEd policies, rules, and regulations on distance learning due to the COVID-19 situation will be addressed.

By: Rosita B. Forbes | Master Teacher I | Cataning Elementary School | Balanga City, Bataan