Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) stressed the need for the bayanihan spirit (communal unity) among all stakeholders at the launching of the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela at the Talisay Elementary School in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, on Friday, August 11.

The theme of this year’s Brigada Eskwela is “Bayanihan para sa Matatag na Paaralan.”

“We in EDCOM (Education Commission), and you in DepEd, cannot do this alone. Policymakers at national and local levels, teachers, parents, the business sector, and civil society…all of us need to help each other for the education of our children”, said Benitez, who was the keynote speaker at the launching rites.

Benitez, Second Congressional Commission on Education commissioner, also encouraged the teachers to attend the upcoming EDCOM II consultations in Negros Occidental, which will be held on August 25.

“This August 25, EDCOM II is due to visit Negros Occidental and have consultations in Bacolod. I hope all stakeholders and educators here attend,” Benitez said.

Benitez reemphasized his call for Bayanihan among education stakeholders to overcome the challenges faced by the education sector.

“Through unity and collaboration we can overcome all and every obstacle,” he said.

Brigada Eskwela is an annual event organized by the DepEd from August 14 to 19.

It takes place a week before classes begin on August 29, aiming to gather volunteers and education stakeholders to clean and repair school facilities in preparation for the upcoming academic year.

Benitez was joined by Talisay Mayor Neil Lizares, Board Member Andrew Montelibano and DepEd officials at the Brigada Eskwela launching.*