The annual Brigada Eskwela is meant to embody the Filipino spirit of bayanihan – community coming together for a common good. Parents, teachers, alumni, and neighbors join forces to spruce up public schools before the new academic year. But in recent years, a dark cloud has loomed over this tradition: the pressure to monetize volunteerism.
From Volunteering to Forced Donations?
Many schools have reportedly shifted from encouraging volunteer participation to requiring a fixed monetary contribution from parents who can't or don't want to volunteer. This raises a troubling question: is Brigada Eskwela becoming a pay-to-play scheme for school enrollment?
Here's why this is concerning:
- Burden on Families: For low-income families, a mandatory donation, even a seemingly small amount, can be a significant financial strain. This defeats the purpose of Brigada Eskwela, which aims to bridge resource gaps, not widen them.
- Erosion of Volunteerism: When volunteering becomes a forced option with a price tag attached, the true spirit of bayanihan – the act of giving freely – is lost.
- Potential for Abuse: Schools with a focus on collecting donations may neglect the actual volunteer aspect of Brigada Eskwela.
What We Can Do:
- Talk to the DepEd: The Department of Education (DepEd) should be held accountable for upholding the original intent of Brigada Eskwela. Parents and concerned citizens can voice their concerns through official channels.
- Focus on Volunteering: Schools can reignite the spirit of bayanihan by creating a volunteer-centric environment. Highlight the importance of giving time and skills, and showcase the impact of collective effort.
- Transparency in Donations: For those who choose to donate, clear guidelines and transparency in how the funds are used are crucial.
Brigada Eskwela is a powerful symbol of Filipino community spirit. Let's work together to ensure it remains a celebration of volunteerism, not a financial burden for families.
Additional Facts:
- According to a 2021 Rappler article [What we can learn from Brigada Eskwela - Rappler], Brigada Eskwela has generated billions of pesos worth of volunteer hours and in-kind donations. This highlights the power of genuine volunteerism.
- DepEd Order No. 24, s. 2011 emphasizes the voluntary nature of Brigada Eskwela and discourages any activity that forces parents to donate.
By working together, we can ensure Brigada Eskwela continues to be a testament to the Filipino bayanihan spirit.