Agusan Sur IP community joins Brigada Eskwela 2026
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — The ‘bayanihan’ spirit or community cooperation came alive in Barangay La Purisima, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, as members of the indigenous peoples (IP) community, along with teachers and volunteers, joined hands to support the annual ‘Brigada Eskwela’ initiative.
Their collective effort demonstrated a strong commitment to education and community development at La Purisima IP High School, where preparations were carried out from June 1 to 5 in anticipation of the opening of School Year 2026–2027 on June 8, 2026.
The school caters to approximately 120 students from the IP community and currently has four classrooms to accommodate its learners. Two of the classrooms were constructed through the support of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) in 2018, while the other two were donated by a private construction company. These facilities have significantly improved the school’s learning environment, providing students with safer and more conducive spaces for education and academic development.
Gelody B. Elumba, head teacher I of La Purisima IP National High School, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the IP community, parents, and volunteers for their active participation and unwavering support during the Brigada Eskwela activities.
“I am very grateful for the continuous support of all our IP members, parents, and volunteers who consistently demonstrate their commitment to the school. Because of their collective efforts, we are now ready to warmly welcome our learners for the opening of School Year 2026–2027,” Elumba said.
She also highlighted the strong involvement of the community’s elders, noting that even senior members of the IP community actively took part in the clean-up, repair, and beautification activities. Their participation, she said, reflects the community’s deep value for education and their shared responsibility in creating a safe, conducive, and learner-friendly environment for the students.
Elumba added that the spirit of bayanihan shown by the entire community serves as an inspiration to both teachers and learners, demonstrating how unity and cooperation can contribute to the success of the school and the future of the children.
Richard Balangatan, one of the IP community volunteers, shared that he joined Brigada Eskwela to help prepare the school for the opening of classes and ensure that students have a clean, safe, and conducive environment for learning.
Balangatan said that by volunteering his time and effort, he hopes to contribute to the school’s readiness and support the students’ education. “We support Brigada Eskwela because we want the students to focus on their studies. If the school is clean and ready, they can learn comfortably and concentrate better in class.”
He added that participating in the annual school maintenance program is a simple yet meaningful way for community members to demonstrate their commitment to education and help create a positive learning environment for the learners of La Purisima IP National High School.
Balangatan also encouraged fellow community members to continue supporting school activities, emphasizing that education is a shared responsibility that requires the cooperation of parents, teachers, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
As the new school year approaches, the successful conduct of Brigada Eskwela at La Purisima IP National High School stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of bayanihan among the IPs community and other stakeholders.
The school also has its own reading center, which was built using indigenous materials that reflect the culture and traditions of the local Indigenous Peoples (IP) community. The facility serves not only as a learning hub where students can develop their reading and literacy skills but also as a relaxing space where they can spend their break time reading books, studying, and interacting with their classmates.
Adding to its unique charm, the reading center offers a scenic view of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery, providing learners with a peaceful and refreshing environment conducive to reading and learning. The tranquil natural setting allows students to appreciate the beauty of their community while fostering creativity, focus, and a deeper connection with nature.
Through their collective efforts, the school is now better prepared to provide a safe, clean, and welcoming learning environment for its students. More importantly, the initiative highlighted the community’s shared commitment to education, proving that when people work together, they can help pave the way for a brighter future for the next generation. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)
