EMBO students, teachers and parents join Taguig’s Brigada Eskwela; students laud Mayor Lani

THE school principals of the 14 Enlisted Men’s Barrio (Embo) schools that are now under the jurisdiction of Taguig City expect a smooth opening of the school year 2023-2024, following the successful launch of the “Brigada Eskwela” participated by the students, teachers, parents, alumni and other stakeholders

According to Makati Science High School Principal Dr. Felix Bunagan and West Rembo Elementary School Principal Alma Adona, the conduct of Brigada Eskwela at their respective schools have become successful with the help of Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano

The two school principals expressed their gratitude to Mayor Lani and the Taguig volunteers for their support of the Brigada Eskwela that started on August 14 and will end on August 19.

“The event brought together students, parents, and volunteers for a week-long cleaning campaign that strived to unite the entire Makati Science community in maintaining the school premises.

Amid unexpected transitions within the school, adaptability emerged as a key factor for success. Despite the myriad of challenges volunteers and organizers alike encountered, the school community’s unwavering commitment to higher education continues to remain steadfast. There are concerns, but we are still an educational institution, and that comes first,” the official Facebook page of Makati Science High School stated

Mayor Lani and the volunteers of Taguig also received warm reception from Comembo Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Pembo Elementary School, Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino High School, Tibagan High School, Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Fort Bonifacio High School, Pitogo Elementary School, Pitogo High School, Cembo Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School, West Rembo Elementary School and South Cembo Elementary School.

In Tibagan High School, a video showing Mayor Lani receiving warm welcome from the students became viral. The students even cheered “Lani, Lani!”

Taguig-Pateros School Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Ayles has affirmed that all school officials from 14 Embo schools are closely cooperating with the Taguig LGU as early as July. Hence, she pointed out that there is nothing to be worried about the forthcoming school opening as it will surely be orderly.

Ayles also appealed to everyone concerned to become open to transition, which was ordered by the Supreme Court, in order to avoid tension and confusion.

The school principals also confirmed that the parents also yearn for a smooth transition to Taguig LGU. This was revealed during the General Parents Teachers Association Dialogue where parents saw the intention of the Taguig LGU to provide good services and benefits. Following this, the parents themselves have decided to volunteer their services in the Brigada Eswela.

The parents’ concerns and worries were addressed when Mayor Lani, in her speech at the opening of Brigada Eskwela, gave an assurance to provide quality service and assistance to 30,000 students of 14 Embo schools. In fact, school kits and toiletries to be initially distributed to the students are already being prepared.

“Ang mga programa na nakita naming mahusay na naipatupad sa Taguig ay buong buo na makukuha ng EMBO residents na ngayon ay Taguig residents. Just trust the transition, trust the school leadership and my leadership in Taguig, bigyan lang po natin ng tiyansa,” Mayor Lani said.

In Taguig City, not only free school supplies, uniforms and shoes are distributed to students as the local government also provide scholarships for all which range from P15,000 to P110,000 for those who take vocational, two-year or four-year courses; master’s and doctor’s degrees. The city also provides assistance to those who are reviewing for board and bar exams.

The Taguig LGU, meanwhile, clarified that the school uniforms and school supplies have not yet been given due to the delay on the part of Makati City to turn over the list of student-beneficiaries..

Aside from the list of EMBO students, the Taguig LGU is also asking Mayor Abby Binay for the list of Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities so they can start giving door to door birthday cash gifts; list of residents with asthma, hypertension and diabetes for house to house delivery of their maintenance medicines; list of residents who are bedridden to be personally visited by health personnel for their home care and list of taxpayers who qualify under lower tax rates; and list of streets in EMBO so that motorists can benefit from “No Number Coding” policy being implemented in Taguig.