The Importance of "Bayanihan"

1. Brigada Eskwela: A Community Development Mechanism
by Flordeliza A. Sannadan
There is no other program that unites almost all sectors in the realization of
educational goals that can be identified as efficient as the Brigada Eskwela in its ability
to bring together various sectors in the community. All for the benefits of school
children; all for the concern towards the schools they once attended as children; all for
the love of education.
Indeed, the Brigada Eskwela has this power to make the community realize that
their children’s school needs to be checked up once in awhile, if they – as parents –
would also like to be comfortable with the thought of leaving their children in an
environment which physically safe for them; no hazards, no dangerous areas within the
school premises – and definitely equipped with facilities that do not have to be new, as
long as they’re dependably functional and fit to use for another school year.
The surrounding community of Bantay Elementary School is automatically on
their guard during the remaining days of summer, knowing that BES shall again come
calling for their involvement. The resulting turnout of helpers, usually led by barangay
leaders and officers from the PTCA, is overwhelming that sometimes we even get a
surplus of labor.
This initiative instills the value of “bayanihan” as well for the school children as
they observe the inputs coming from different groups in their barangay. These inputs
may take various forms, like materials for construction, decorative materials like paint,
cleaning tools, extra furniture that is no longer needed at home, and actual labor for
many of the parents.
The fact alone that these parents can take time out from their usual daily routine
and devote considerable time for BES is of course uplifting also for the morale of
teachers who are oftentimes constrained by the existing resources available for them.
Perhaps one secret to the entry of such ample contribution from the community is the
presence of a school administrator who does cultivate an amiable relationship with the
barangay folks. Principal Karen Tiggangay is naturally commendable along this line –
with her friendly reputation.
On top of all these, naturally, is the attainment of the educational goals that
everyone in the above-mentioned sectors would like to target – which is the
development of young learners who will grow up to become responsible members of the
society, with a first-hand observation on the actual application of “bayanihan.” These
days, there really is no better example that we can show them for this highly cherished
Filipino value – and for that, Brigada Eskwela deserves to be commended.