Pasay City North High School –  M. Dela Cruz Campus kicked off the implementation of Brigada Eskwela 2019 last May 20, 2019, Monday, with a parade participated by parents, students, teachers, and other stakeholders.

The parade, which aimed to encourage the community to join the festivities, was followed by a Zumba session headed by the Camella Zumba Group from Cavite.  All the participants, including the members of the 81^st Special Action Force (SAF) Battalion and Presidential Security Group (PSG) Malacanang Park, danced in the early morning sun and worked up a sweat in preparation for the activities of the day.

Barangay officials from Barangay 130 headed by Mr. Owen Reyes also came along with youth groups from the Seventh Day Adventist Church – Malibay Chapter and PSG Evangelical Church.

Several parents were also in attendance along with the General Parents-Teachers Association (GPTA) president Mr. Philip Gorospe, as well as parents of students with special needs under inclusive education. The newly-elected Supreme Student Government (SSG) officers also came full force, along with their adviser, Mr. Ruel E. Gabion.

The formal opening program, hosted by Mr. Edward Joshua L. Castro and Mr. Lawrence SD Puno, began with a message from Assistant Principal Mr. Roger B. Escarilla followed by a speech from Dr. Renato B. Mesada, Public Schools District Supervisor and OIC-Principal.

Dr. Mesada talked about the past achievements of the school with regards to Brigada Eskwela, especially the triumphs of the past two years, when the school placed first among all the medium schools in the division two years consecutively. He said that while it would be a great honor to place first once again, he only wants the school to be prepared for the incoming school year in the best way possible. He also announced the construction of a 12-classroom building on the space currently being used by the school canteen.

An inspirational talk by Pastor Richard Dulton came next, followed by the introduction and presentation of volunteers and stakeholders by Brigada Eskwela 2019 Coordinator Mrs. Mary Jane Octaviano. Adopt-a-School Coordinator and the head of the Mobilization Committee Mrs. Carolyn Barretto then gave the update on the donation and pledges the school has received.

Lastly, Mrs. Marites Legaspi, Guidance Counselor and Program Implementation Committee chair discussed the matrix of daily tasks for the entire week of Brigada Eskwela 2019.

To formally signal the start of Brigada Eskwela 2019, Dr. Mesada, along with Mrs. Octaviano, spearheaded the distribution of cleaning materials to the volunteers, who immediately proceeded to the problem areas of the school to tackle the cleaning and repair tasks.

Meanwhile, teachers, students and parents actively participated in the Joy and Wellness seminar facilitated by renowned wellness and lifestyle medicine pioneer and owner of Asian Institute of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Blecenda Varona. She discussed the importance of a healthy mind and lifestyle for the betterment of lives. Her seminar, which usually costs Php 15,000, covered topics research on gender differences, universal potential of thinking intelligently, emotional intelligence and quotient, gender inclusivity and universal principles on health.

by: Dayanara A. Empuerto
School Paper Adviser