MANILA - The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) deployed over 1,000 personnel to help Brigada Eskwela 2022 through massive cleanup drives and volunteer works in schools nationwide.

This year's Brigada Eskwela, themed as "Tugon sa Hamon ng Ligtas na Balik-Aral" started on Aug. 1 up to Aug. 26.

BJMP Chief Jail Director Allan Iral said the BJMP personnel assisted the Department of Education (DepEd) in school repairs, cleanup activities and other preparations for the Aug. 22 school opening.

"Our personnel volunteered their time including a number of school materials in support to our educator's efforts to create a more conducive learning environment for students amid the pandemic," Iral said in a statement on Saturday.

Every year, the BJMP is a constant support agency of the DepEd, especially during the conduct of Brigada Eskwela.

"We are one with the Department of Education in this annual advocacy since we are also a beneficiary of the Alternative Learning System program wherein thousands of persons deprived of liberty under our care have completed their basic education," Iral said.

On Aug. 11, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. called on the entire Department of the Interior and Local Government, which includes the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, BJMP, and all local government units to help in the annual activity to prepare schools for the start of the school year.

"Magtulungan tayo, tulungan natin ang DepEd (Let's work together, let's help DepEd). These are among the immediate things that we need to do right now... Our energy should be focused on recovery," Abalos said. (PNA)