Army battalions join 'Brigada Eskwela' in Maguindanao

BRIGADA ESKWELA LINK ---  Soldiers from the Army's 33rd Infantry Battalion provide free haircut to pupils during the Brigada Eskwela activity last May 23 in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao ahead of the class opening on June 3. (Photo courtesy of 33rd IB)

COTABATO CITY --- Soldiers from two Army battalions took time out last May 23 to participate in “Brigada Eskwela” initiatives in public schools in Maguindanao as part of their social responsibility, officials said. 

Lt. Col. Elmer Boongaling, commander of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, said soldiers of the Bravo Company joined parents and teachers in preparing the Datu Paglas Central School in Poblacion, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao by providing manpower assistance and free haircut, especially to incoming students. 

Boongaling said the annual Brigada Eskwela was spearheaded by Bouden Tudon, head teacher of Datu Paglas Central School, as parents, teachers, and alumni cleaned, cut grasses, and repair classrooms. 

In nearby President Quirino Central School at Barangay Poblacion in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, the soldiers joined the annual Brigada Eskwela efforts. 

“The soldiers’ participation in the Brigada Eskwela highlights the spirit of volunteerism and unity,” he said in a statement. 

Elements of the 57th IB also joined the same activity in public schools in the towns of Datu Hoffer, Datu Unsay, and Shariff Aguak, all in Maguindanao last May 23.

The soldiers helped prepare the school facilities and its environment to become safe and conducive for learning when pupils return to school on June 3. 

Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, has ordered all Army battalions in the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and parts of North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur to participate in Brigada Eskwela activities. 

Brigada Eskwela, or the National Schools Maintenance Week, is a nation-wide initiative by the Department of Education (DepEd) that aims to mobilize the parents, alumni, teachers, civic groups, and students, among others, to volunteer their time and repair skills in preparing school facilities for school opening in June. 

This year’s theme is "Matatag na Bayan Para sa Matatag na Paaralan."  (EDWIN FERNANDEZ, PNA – COTABATO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)