Through its recently launched project called “GIP Cares” under the Government Internship Program (GIP) that aims to empower the interns to become more responsible and compassionate, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI, in collaboration with local communities, recently rolled up their sleeves and came together for an uplifting ‘Brigada Eskwela’ initiatives in Davao City and Baganga, Davao Oriental.
Through GIP Cares, DOLE XI GIP interns are equipped to take important roles in implementing various initiatives that actively contribute to well-being of the society, like ‘Brigada Eskwela’, which aims to improve and maintain the physical condition of public schools in preparation for the opening of classes.
Under the GIP Cares, the DOLE-Davao Oriental Field Office (DOLE-DOFO) along with its 50 GIP interns brought their bayanihan spirit to the Coog Integrated School in Baganga, Davao Oriental on August 29, 2023, while the DOLE-Davao City Field Office (DOLE-DCFO) led the conduct of Brigada Eskwela at the Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School in Davao City with its 23 GIP interns on August 31, 2023. Both field offices opted to organize Brigada Eskwela initiatives for their GIP Cares project in time for the opening of classes.
These initiatives showcased the spirit of unity and community involvement, as DOLE XI GIP interns joined hands with residents and government officials to make a significant impact on the said schools.
DOLE XI Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy expressed his enthusiasm for the event’s success. “We believe in the importance of education and the role schools play in shaping the future of our children and we are proud of our GIP interns for being committed in contributing to the community and fostering a positive learning environment for the young students.”
The Brigada Eskwela activities in Baganga, Davao Oriental included repainting of 50 chairs, distribution of school supplies to some 50 Grade 10 students, and provision of snacks and entertainment to 600 students and children in the community. In addition, DOLE-DOFO conducted learning sessions and career guidance, and donated two (2) electric fans, four (4) sets of sports equipment, four (4) sets of board/mind games, and school supplies to Coog Integrated School.
Mayor Ronald V. Lara, the local chief executive of Baganga, expressed his gratitude to DOLE and the volunteers, saying, “This collaborative effort is a testament to the spirit of Bayanihan that remains strong in our community. We are thankful to DOLE XI, especially the DOLE-Davao Oriental Field Office, for their support, which goes a long way in improving the quality of education our children receive.”
Meanwhile, the DOLE-DCFO repainted a total of six (6) classrooms, 50 chairs, and 25 tables, and cleaned the school premises of Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School.
Aligning with the principles of corporate social responsibility, GIP Cares considers the duty to positively impact society and the environment beyond the organization’s immediate interests. Primarily, the project aims to instill in GIP interns the understanding of the absolute effect and influence of their actions on the lives of others. All DOLE XI Field Offices will be holding their respective GIP Cares activity this year.
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