ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro urged the leadership at the House of Representatives to support her resolution providing for a Supplemental Budget of P32 billion for the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses of public schools.

“Yesterday marked the beginning of the Brigada Eskwela for public schools. Teachers, parents and school heads have started to prepare schools for the return of the learners to school. Most teachers and school heads rely heavily on donations from parents to repair and clean classrooms,” Castro said.

“Teachers are still forced to use their personal money to be able to start the repairs of their classrooms,” she added.

“Malayo ang mararating ng dagdag na P32 bilyon sa paghahanda ng mga paaralan para sa ligtas na balik-paaralan. Ito ay para sa MOOE ng 47,612 na paaralan, DOST schools at SUCs na mayroong basic education. Para sa repair ng mga klasrum, school supplies, air filtration, hand-washing area at iba pang gamit para sa ligtas napagbubukas ng mga paaralan para sa face-to-face classes. Malaking bagay para sa mga paaralan, principals, teachers, magulang at mga mag-aaral,” she added.

Castro said the Brigada Eskwela program is proof that government does not allocate enough funds for schools because teachers, principals and the parents are forced to solicit for materials to ensure that classrooms are ready and safe for the learners.

“It is high time that the government prioritizes education. With the Department of Education’s target of having 100% face-to-face classes by November this year, the government must ensure schools are capable of equipping themselves for the safe return of 100% in-person schooling,” she said.