Brigada Pagbasa: Quality education begins with a book
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Highlighting the Brigada Eskwela kick-off in the province of Dinagat Islands at Villa Ecleo Elementary School in Basilisa town is the literacy initiative on ‘Brigada Pabasa’ or reading brigade.
It gathered volunteers, teachers, parents, and education leaders in the province to not only to build better learning spaces, but also to nurture a lifelong love for reading.
Personally led by Dinagat Islands Schools Division Superintendent Florence E. Almaden, more than 30 learners participated in the activity, taking part in guided reading sessions and literacy enrichment activities designed to strengthen foundational reading skills.
Sitting side by side with children, Almaden demonstrated and emphasized that literacy is not merely a program to implement, but a commitment to uphold. “Because before learners can excel in any field, they must first discover the power of words.”
Through Brigada Pagbasa, the Schools Division of Dinagat Islands continues to affirm a simple yet profound belief that every child deserves not only a classroom as a safe space for learning, but also the opportunity to read, imagine, and dream.
Meanwhile, Almaden gave importance to Brigada Eskwela that goes beyond school maintenance and beautification efforts, manifesting the aspiration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“As we officially launch Brigada Eskwela, we are once again reminded that education is a shared responsibility,” she said. “Brigada Eskwela is more than preparing our school facilities. It is a manifestation of our shared commitment to every learner. When communities, stakeholders, and schools work together, we create learning environments where our children can thrive and succeed.”
She likewise encouraged stakeholders to sustain the spirit of ‘bayanihan’ or community support beyond the Brigada Eskwela period, stressing that quality education remains a shared responsibility among schools, families, communities, and partners. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DepEd Dinagat Islands)
