Bantay Eskuwela Starts to Spread Out

by Rene Brasuela

The Bantay Eskuwela (BE) Initiative is a constructive engagement between the Department of Education (DepEd) and Civil Society Organization (CSO). The first BE was initiated by Procurement Watch Inc. (PWI) focused in monitoring the implementation of the procurement of School armchairs. This initiative was piloted in seven pilot sites in Bulacan, Tagbilaran, Ilocos Norte, Quezon City, Rizal and Davao City. The result became very successful.

The BE framework was replicated in the second run by monitoring the repair and rehabilitation of school buildings damaged by typhoon “Ondoy” in Metro Manila. Using the same concept and approaches, the PTAs and community in the different project recipient schools were tapped and served as the school-based volunteer monitors. This was again very successful due to the participation of the volunteer monitors. With their vigilant monitoring, many uninstalled materials were recovered and diverted the corresponding cost into additional works.

The Immediate Positive Impact of SBMC-CoRE Advocacy

By: Renato Brasuela

The Project Implementation Team (PIT) of the School-Based Management and Community – Collaboration for Reform in Education (SBMC-CORE) headed by Ms. Caroline Belisario, PIT team leader went in the Division of Compostela Valley on 13 June 2012 particularly in the municipality of Maragusan where 4 schools covered by the project is located.  Going to Maragusan was not easy. You have to pass through a long, rugged, and winding road in order to reach the town proper.

When the team arrived at Maragusan, we went to the New Albay National High School.  Along our way, we needed to cross a river. Unfortunately, our vehicle stalled in the middle of the rising river. To get it out, we had to remove our shoes to push the vehicle. Given our combined strength, we only succeeded to push the vehicle near the embankment of the river.  The sand beneath the vehicle was loose and the van’s tires weren’t able to get better traction. The area volunteer coordinator called for help from the barangay officials.  In time, a truck came to pull our vehicle to the road.