Reaching Out Through Brigada Eskwela 2010

I can't remember the last time I laid my hands on "dirty" community works.

But last Saturday was another eye-opener for me to the windows of the real world - the real Philippines. My company, the Ramcar Group of Companies - Battery Group, initiated a response to corporate responsibility. It is enlisting our company to a nation-wide Brigada Eskwela. It was volunteerism in the truest essence of the word - no forcing of the employees to join, no promised additional benefits... just pure act of charity and sincere willingness to help out.  

Payatas C Elementary School was our chosen school. Stepping on the grounds of this humble school stirred up my humanitarian genes. Right there and then, I was so eager to sport on my gloves and masks and start doing the "dirty" job. I felt the need of the school for both financial and moral support. In the face of the principal, you'd see how grateful he is for our little hands who would give a noble help to their school. Their school houses 3000++ young kids who tried to fit themselves in just about 21 little classrooms - some of which are even makeshift classrooms! Yes, 3000++ kids in 21 classrooms. Sad. Depressing. 

But just as I was feeling that depression, I saw a bunch of teachers in their positive aura. Hah, shame on me. This school which I regard as a "depressed" one, ranks #5 in the National Achievement Test. Yes, this public school which is situated in a private land, is one of the top performing schools.

It did not take any convincing to sincerely do my part in "cleaning" the school. With my joyful and equally eager colleagues, we did not waste any minute to clean the rooms!

The humble principal of Payatas C Elementary School

"ako po ay nahihiya at nanghihingi at namamalimos na naman kami ng tulong sa inyo...."

above was an excerpt from his speech when he welcomed us. It touched my heart.

Sporting with Motolite shirts and caps, the whole team is so ready to bring it on!

With our HR manager carrying out the task of turning over our donations of books

The real deal!

Everyone was collectively sharing efforts in helping out our adopted school!

Proof that volunteerism knows no gender! :p

that's me at the center striking a pose and taking a quick break!

Closer me!

Work in progress: my second chair!

The finished products!

It was a short yet very fulfilling activity. It reminds me of my social responsibility and have given me a venue where I can mix fun and charity work!

Until the next Brigada, colleagues! We did a great, great job!