ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA – Demonstrating their commitment to education and community development, members of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from various cities and municipalities teamed up to participate in the annual Brigada Eskwela in Region IX.

The Brigada Eskwela is a collective effort of the Department of Education (DepEd) through the school facilities, teachers, and learners, and other stakeholders such as the 4Ps in preparation for the school opening this academic year.

This initiative reflects the program’s promotion of community participation and shared responsibility of the 4Ps parents in ensuring a conducive learning environment for their children.

Through volunteer work such as cleaning school grounds, repairing and repainting classrooms, and improving school facilities, parents contribute to ensuring the schools are safe, clean, and ready to welcome learners.

Among the active volunteers was Camela T. Orong, a 4Ps beneficiary from Barangay Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City who owns a small sari-sari store as a means of livelihood. Together with her husband, Teodolo, a messenger at a bank, Camela supports the educational needs of their three children, all of whom are currently attending school.

Her eldest child, Thirdy, 17, is a Senior High School student at Talon-Talon National High School while Thristan, 12 years old, and Trisha, 8 years old, are both in grade school. As a beneficiary of the 4Ps, Camela receives cash grants from the DSWD as a support to the education and health of children.

Last June 1, Camela and other 4Ps parents in the said barangay, with their brooms and cleaning materials, flocked at the national high school anf elementary school for a clean up drive.

For Camela, participating in Brigada Eskwela goes beyond fulfilling her role as a 4Ps beneficiary. It is also an opportunity to contribute to her children’s future through education.

“Masaya po akong makapaglingkod sa aming komunidad… Sa kabila ng maraming gawaing bahay, mahalaga pa rin po na makiisa tayo sa programang tulad ng Brigada Eskwela,” Camela said.

[I am happy to be able to serve our community… Despite the many chores in our homes, it is important that we take part in programs such as the Brigada Eskwela.]

The active involvement of 4Ps beneficiaries in Brigada Eskwela underscores the program’s advocacy of strengthening family and community participation in promoting children’s education and well-being. Through volunteerism and collective action, parents become partners of schools and the DepEd in creating an environment where learners can achieve their full learning potential.

As schools prepare for the opening of classes, the spirit of bayanihan demonstrated by the 4Ps families continues to inspire communities to work together in support of quality education and nurture a brighter future for every dreaming child.