In order to prepare public schools for the upcoming School opening, the Department of Education (DepEd) has declared the 2023 “Brigada Eskwela (BE)” event, scheduled to take place from August 14 to 19.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte have endorsed the Implementing Guidelines for this year’s “Brigada Eskwela (BE),” outlined in DepEd Order No. 21 series of 2023 dated August 3. This initiative, also referred to as the National Schools Maintenance Week, is a countrywide program aimed at involving education stakeholders in dedicating their time, resources, and efforts to guarantee that public schools are adequately prepared for the start of classes.

This year’s “Brigada Eskwela” (BE) spans six days, during which local communities, parents, alumni, civic groups, local businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private individuals, and even teachers and students come together to “volunteer their time and skills.” Their efforts involve tasks such as conducting clean-ups, performing minor to medium repairs, and carrying out maintenance work in classrooms and throughout the school premises.

DepEd has revealed that the National Brigada Eskwela Kick-Off is scheduled for August 7 at Tarlac National High School, as stated in an advisory released on Friday, August 4. According to DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa, schools will also have their individual kick-off events, marking the beginning of the designated Brigada Eskwela week.

Following the issuance of Presidential Proclamation No. 297 on July 21, 2023, DepEd has reaffirmed the removal of the State of Public Health Emergency across the Philippines due to Covid-19. In light of this development, DepEd clarified that any previous directives, memoranda, and announcements that were applicable solely during the State of Public Emergency will be considered null and void.

Additionally, DepEd highlighted that all Covid-19-related restrictions, including measures like wearing face masks and maintaining physical distancing, have been lifted.

For this year’s “Brigada Eskwela” (BE), DepEd has directed all regions and school divisions to offer comprehensive support to school heads. The BE’s implementation will involve three stages: pre-implementation, implementation, and post-implementation.

During the pre-implementation phase, schools are tasked with assessing their physical facilities and maintenance requirements, ensuring compliance with no solicitation rules, and establishing a BE Working committee. This committee will manage public awareness campaigns, partnerships for resource mobilization, program implementation, administrative and financial matters, and documentation.

In the implementation stage, DepEd emphasizes that all tasks performed during the Brigada Eskwela are voluntary. School heads are responsible for maintaining clean schools throughout the week-long event.

In the post-implementation phase, schools are expected to compile and submit accomplishment reports, sustain BE efforts, and provide service credits and compensatory time-off for participating teachers.

While the search for best implementing schools and related awards are no longer part of BE, DepEd highlights that recognizing and appreciating partners and stakeholders who contributed to the BE’s success may be determined at the school, district, or division levels.