The Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Education in the Negros Island Region on Tuesday clarified that enrollment in a public school does not require a certificate of participation in the Brigada Eskwela.
Dr. Salustiano Jimenez issued the clarification following a complaint from a mother who claimed that when she enrolled her son in Grade 7 at the Negros Oriental High School in Dumaguete City, she was asked to donate a sack of cement in the absence of a Brigada Eskwela certificate.
The mother, who requested anonymity to avoid “retribution” from the school and/or teachers, said her husband went to buy the sack of cement for almost P200, and delivered it to the school, so their son can be enrolled.
The complainant furnished a copy of the receipt for the sack of cement, and a Brigada Certification that had the name of the teacher who allegedly facilitated the enrollment.
Dr. Jimenez reiterated that enrollment in public schools do not involve fees, other payments, nor a Brigada Eskwela certificate.
The Brigada Eskwela, held last week, is a yearly activity for parents, teachers, volunteers and the community comprised of clean-up activities and other maintenance works to prepare the physical facilities for the coming school year in June.
But Jimenez said joining Brigada Eskwela is voluntary, and not compulsory in nature. He immediately ordered a supervisor to go to the NOHS to observe the enrollment procedure there.
Jimenez also asked parents who find themselves in a similar situation to immediately report to his office so he can take action.
Meanwhile, NOHS principal Arnold Junco denied giving instructions to his teachers/staff to require a Brigada Eskwela certification upon enrollment as the activity is voluntary.
He promised to look into the complaint as he reassured that they are not requiring parents to give sacks of cement in lieu of a Brigada Eskwela certificate.
In another incident, a City government official said their houseboy enrolled his son in a public elementary school in Dumaguete, and was allegedly asked to pay P25 a month during the school year for floor wax, and another P100 as Brigada fee because the father was not able to participate.
The name of the schools is being withheld as Dr. Evangel Luminarias, City DepEd Division of Schools superintendent, has yet to be contacted for comment. (Judy Flores-Partlow)
