The end of the summer is just the beginning of something even better

BACK TO SCHOOL

Summer vacay is over. After spending a summer full of sand, sun and fun, it’s time to dust those textbooks, follow schedules and study for exams.

Tomorrow is the first day of a new school year for more than 1 million students expected to return to schools in Bohol province.  

A new school year starts with so many new things: classmates, books, classes, school supplies, professors, classrooms or even a new school.

These students would no longer be required to clean their school surroundings or classrooms during the opening of classes considering that they have already conducted “Brigada Eskwela” weeks ahead of the school opening.

At least 200 boys and girls who were residents
Barangay Booy in Tagbilaran got their free
haircut and school supplies during the
 "Balik Eskwela Libre Tupi.” Photos by Leo Udtohan

The Brigada Eskwela, an annual activity of the DepEd aimed at cleaning and repairing damaged school facilities, was conducted from May 20 to 25, participated in by students, parents, and volunteers from numerous private organizations and large companies.

Police and military units also assisted the DepEd in the cleaning and repair of schools in preparation for the June 3 public school opening. The 702nd (Bohol) Ready Reserved Infantry Battalion also responded to the call of community service.   They cleaned at least 10 public elementary and secondary schools- Booy Elementary School, Tagbilaran City Science High School, Eastern Cogon Elem. School, Dao Elementary School, Dampas Elementary School,  San Isidro National High School,  Mansasa National High School,  Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School,  Manga National High School and Tabalong National High School.

For a fresh and clean start, some pupils at Cogon Elem. School in Tagbilaran City were treated to free hair cut sponsored by a teacher during the Brigada Eskwela.

Last week, at least 200 boys and girls who were residents Barangay (Village) Booy in Tagbilaran got their free haircut and other items such as notebooks and pencils during the "Balik Eskwela Libre Tupi,” an initiative of former Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)  leader and village councilor Clement Paulinel Ingking who started this project in 2011.

“This initiative started when I was an SK chairman and I tried my best to continue it,” Ingking told GMA News.

“This will help especially those families with multiple children and those indigent families. Having a new fresh haircut especially now going back to school this will motivate the children to do well in school,” he added.

The average price of a haircut in Tagbilaran is P45.

Incoming Grade 3 pupil Jerz Cedrick Olorvida was excited for his new haircut.

“Excited nako moeskwela karung Monday kay bag-o kog tupi (I am excited to go back to school on Monday because I have a new haircut),” he said.