ABSTRACT
This descriptive-correlational research assessed the implementation of Brigada Eskwela Program in the new normal and the sustainability of stakeholders’ support in public schools in Calamba Cluster 2 district. It utilized a standardized questionnaire as the main data gathering instrument. The first two groups of respondents were the total enumeration of eight (8) School Heads and 18 program coordinators, while the third group was the 149 teachers taken through proportional random sampling.
The data revealed that Brigada Eskwela Program were highly implemented and the sustainability of stakeholders’ support were highly manifested except for non-cash donations. The findings show a significant difference among the three groups’ assessments of the Brigada Eskwela implementation of advocacy and campaign and on the sustainability of stakeholders support. There is a significant relationship between the all the components of Brigada Eskwela and the sustainability of volunteers. A plan of action was proposed based on the findings.
Keywords: Brigada Eskwela Program, Stakeholders’ Support, volunteers
INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world and dictates every institution to create a new norm in every unit of the society which includes the education sector. Aimed at promoting sustainable and safe living, the Department of Education reconfigured of Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) and Brigada Eskwela (BE) which highlighted the application of knowledge and convergence of efforts to address health and social issues at home, in school and community relative to the new framework.
According to the Department of Education (2020), Brigada Eskwela in the new normal will deviate from the traditional concept of physical cleaning, painting, repainting, and doing minor repairs in schools and will instead prioritize preparations and strengthening partnership engagement to ensure that quality basic education will continue despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Meanwhile, School Year 2020-2021 is the most challenging time of the implementation of Brigada Eskwela because of the occurrence of the Covid-19 Pandemic. However, in spite of that deterrent, Jose Rizal Memorial School still abled to receive from 62 stakeholders an eight (8) digit total amount of cash, and an equivalent amount of 2.7M non-cash item. But the scenario is quite different in other public schools. With all the information at hand, the researcher finds it necessary to assess its implementation and the level of stakeholders’ support under the new normal. Recognizing this program as best manifestation of school and community relationship, the problem lies on how the schools utilize effective procedures by which to help the stakeholders understand what the schools are trying to do to attract the support of the community in this time of global pandemic.
With this in mind the researcher was able to deliver a research-based assessment of the actual implementation of Brigada Eskwela program among public schools in Cluster 2 district which would be useful for the Schools Division Office (SDO) in providing technical support needed by other schools. The findings of the study served as basis for a plan of action to enhance Brigada Eskwela implementation.
Theoretical Framework
The study was primarily anchored on one of the elements of Maslow’s Theory of hierarchy of needs, namely: safety and security. According to Martin and Joomis (as cited by Delmo, 2018), safety and security is characterized on the deficiency needs, which is the main concern of health risk reduction is a human need which allows every human being to foresee next goal on achieving growth and development. This theory formed an important base for the present study because it identified the schools’ level of implementation of Brigada Eskwela Program amidst the COVID 19 pandemic without risking their safety and security.
Another theoretical foundation of the study was the Identity Theory to volunteering of Grube and Piliavin (as cited in Schrage & Lenglet, 2016). and the Functional Motivation theory (Widjaja as cited in Tudy, Limjuco, Aleria, Carado, & Fabros, 2018). The Identity Theory to volunteering and Theory of motivation were applicable to the present study since the main purpose of Brigada Eskwela Program is to promote voluntarism among stakeholders and to specify their role in providing the school of what any support necessary for the opening of a school year. Given the importance for sustained volunteering of which can then be leveraged by organizations to encourage it further.
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