March 29, 2024

Another public school in Baguio has responded to the call for Filipinos to reach out to the victims of the Taal Volcano eruption with its pupils giving donations in kind to the victims.
The Apolinario Mabini Elementary School (AMES) has turned over assorted donations in kind to the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC), which will transport such items to Batangas.
Kindergarten pupils donated assorted biscuits while grade 1 pupils donated noodles, new underwear for children and adults, and canned goods.
Grade 2 pupils donated new blankets while grade 3 pupils donated toothpaste and toothbrushes.
The grade 4 pupils donated bath soaps complemented with shampoos from grade 5 pupils. Grade 6 pupils, on the other hand, donated bottled water.
The assorted donations from AMES pupils were among the basic needs of those affected by the volcano eruption, as it will take some time before they could get back on their feet.
The call for donation is also in keeping with the Filipino tradition of bayanihan in time of disaster.
The spirit of bayanihan will once again be witnessed by AMES community when the teaching personnel, parents, pupils, and volunteers converge anew few months from now for Brigada Eskwela.
Also known as the National School Maintenance Week, the annual activity aims not only to prepare the schools and other facilities for the return of millions of learners but also seeing to it that concerned quarters provide the requisites of learners such as good furniture, equipment, and supplies among others.
Aside from painting or cleaning the schools, various concerns on school safety and readiness are also being addressed during Brigada Eskwela which include assessment of drainage, evacuation plans, first aid kits, emergency contact numbers, and signage. – Nacky F. Rodela