By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—The Department of Education (DepEd) earmarked a total amount of PHP315 million for the improvement of schools in Region 1.
Elmer Sabado, DepEd regional director confirmed this on May 28, 2018 as various education stakeholders from the four provinces of Region 1 shelled out financial support for the successful implementation of Brigada Eskwela 2018.
Under the Adopt-a-School Program of Republic Act 8525, private entities that will join the Brigada Eskwela will have a reward of recognition and 50% tax-incentive entitlement from the government.
“We are grateful to all volunteers and those who donated to the schools,” said Mr. Sabado referring to the PHP243 million in kind donation plus an additional PHP72 million worth of services for the cleaning and fixing of schools in the entire Region 1.
Compared to last year, the amount generated had increased more than three times, or to PHP315 million from PHP101 million last year. The Brigada Eskwela kicked off on May 27, 2018 in Region 1.
Volunteers helped schools by painting roofs, ceilings, and walls, cementing existing footpaths and drains, repairing comfort rooms and wash facilities, fixing electrical wiring, repairing and repainting chairs, desks, and furniture, repairing broken windows, jalousies, and doors, cleaning up school grounds, and replacing school signs.
Participating volunteers and organizations donated materials including paint, cement, lumber, tiles, tools and cleaning aids, as well as teaching and learning devices, and first aid and disaster kits to the schools nearest their workplaces.