“BAYANIHAN” HIGHLIGHTS BRIGADA ESKWELA 2012

REINVIGORATED COLLABOration with various stakeholders have marked Naval Forces Southern Luzon’s activities since 2010. From promoting coastal resource protection & manage- ment programs to building disaster resilient communities, these efforts highlights the Philippine Navy’s enduring commitment and support to AFP' Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” which calls for multi-stakeholder collaboration to improve quality of life, safety and security of the people.

NAVFORSOL led by its contingents from Civil Military Operations Unit–Southern Luzon and BRP Hen. Antonio Luna (PG141) participated in five (5) different schools in Albay and Camarines Sur provinces particularly Bigaa Elementary School and Special Education School in Legazpi City, Ponso Elementary School in Polangui, Upper Bonga Elementary School in Bacacay, and Rolando R Andaya Sr Memorial High School in Pasacao. The group also donated at least ten (10) pieces trash cans and cleaning gears. On 30 May to 02 June, NAVFORSOL continued the Brigada Eskwela program in Sto. Domingo National High School located at Brgy San Rafael, Sto. Domingo, Albay.

Brigada Eskwela is an annual program of the Department of Education to prepare public schools all over the country for the upcoming school year through minor repairs and maintenance works. The program is anchored on active collaboration of teachers, communities, Local Government Officials and volunteers which focuses on ensuring upkeep of school facilities, safety of students and sanitation of the school. “Having healthy and clean surroundings will certainly contribute to environment conducive for learning and we are happy that PG141 has been part of this year’s program” said LCDR PALANCA PN, Commanding Officer of BRP Antonio Luna.

“We’re always ready to lend a hand. In fact, we have adopted a “Brigada Eskwela Plus” program here in NAVFORSOL which advocate a year round maintenance and repair of our already limited public schools buildings. It now our prayer that people’s commitment will not end as scheduled but rather permeate in everybody’s consciousness that “bayanihan” in our midst should continue to flourish. The participation of various stakeholders in this program best exemplifies that when the communities do work together, our aspirations for peace and progress is not a distant reality.” Said Commodore Abraham F Celzo AFP, Commander, Naval Forces Southern Luzon.