One of the strategic means in winning the peace is through a People Centered Security/Human Security approach. The internal peace and security plan focuses on the people. A people-centered security within the framework of human security puts people’s welfare at the center of its operations. It puts primacy on human rights and also explores ways in promoting local security and safety based on the needs and realities of communities on the ground.
On May 23, 2011, the Department of Education launched OPLAN Balik Eskwela for school year 2011-2012. DepEd’s Balik Eskwela was a good opportunity for the Philippine Army to show its commitment to bring peace and development in the Bicol Region. It was also a chance to promote the “bayanihan” spirit in order to win the peace in this part of the country.
Brigada Eskwela is an annual school clean up and repair activity spearheaded by DepEd and participated in by NGOs, parents, students, teachers, the business sector, civic organizations, government and private sector employees and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It enjoins participants to donate construction and cleaning materials or serve as volunteers to prepare the schools two weeks before the opening of classes. The purpose of the activity is to make the schools clean and ready for the opening of schools so that by June 6, students can buckle down to their regular school work.
With these mandates, the 903rd Infantry Brigade launched a brigade – wide operations called “Bayanihan sa Eskwelahan” from May 17 up to June 10 that was participated in by all OPCON units. This operation sought to support the effort of DepEd to prepare the schools before the opening of classes. A total of ninety seven (97) public schools in Sorsogon and Masbate benefited from the “bayanihan” spirit of the soldiers and the stakeholders in the community. These activities involved masonry works, carpentry, ground cleaning, painting, fencing and other assistance to the schools.
But beyond the visible results of these activities, “Bayanihan sa Eskwelahan” stirred up a sense of community service among the participants, especially among the students, teachers, parents and other stakeholders, as they worked side by side with the soldiers towards a common cause.
It showed that, working together, they can accomplish many things.
