MANILA -- Military units will assist the Department of Education (DepEd) and other stakeholders in the cleaning and repair of schools in preparation for the June 3 public school opening.
This was the response of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato, when asked what assistance the military can provide for the ongoing "Brigada Eskwela" initiatives which started on May 16.
"'Brigada Eskwela' is traditionally being participated in by all AFP units especially those in the field. We have a government interagency effort on that and field commanders are tasked to coordinate closely with DepEd and other cognizant agencies who are involved in this annual activity," said Detoyato in a text message to the Philippine News Agency on Monday.
"Brigada Eskwela" is done weeks before the scheduled public school opening to ensure that these facilities are ecologically conscious, resilient, clean, safe and conducive to learning.
Meanwhile, Detoyato said they will also help the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units in securing the public schools this coming June 3.
"The security aspect during opening of classes where millions of students troop back to the schools are also part of the security plans being coordinated with the LGUs, DepEd and PNP and is usually being tackled during peace and order council meetings and conferences," he added.
Also, the AFP public affairs office chief said securing and helping with the "Brigada Eskwela" is already part and parcel of the planning efforts of AFP field units.
"At the most, our field units augment the LGUs and PNP in the conduct of security during the first few crucial days of the opening of classes," Detoyato added. (PNA)
