Parents and other stakeholders on Monday spent their time repainting classrooms, repairing armchairs, and cleaning the school premises following the kickoff of the Brigada Eskwela at the Antique National School (ANS) in the province’s capital town.

“We have to prepare for the around 7,000 learners who will be having their first day of class on July 29,” ANS principal Roger Jomolo said in an interview on Tuesday.

He said with the classrooms ready for the learners during their first day of class, teachers could proceed with their class orientation since they do not have to spend their whole day cleaning up.

During the Brigada Eskwela, which runs from July 22-27, he said they also focus on getting rid of breeding sites of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

“Since ANS will no longer be implementing a double shift of classes this school year, we have constructed three makeshift classrooms made of bamboo and galvanized iron sheets for roofing to be able to accommodate learners,” Jomolo said.

He said he would ask parents during their Parent Teachers Association meeting if they could voluntarily provide cement for the floor of the makeshift classrooms.

He said there is no compulsory contribution that will be asked from parents during the Brigada Eskwela.

The DepEd Antique, during the kickoff ceremony of the Brigada Eskwela, held a caravan from the Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park in San Jose de Buenavista, followed by a program at the Barbaza National High School in Barbaza town.

With the theme, “Bayanihan Para sa Matatag na Paaralan,” the weeklong activity emphasizes the collective effort of the DepEd, parents, and stakeholders in addressing the gap in the resources of public schools in time for the opening of classes. (PNA)