by: Maryjyl B. Arizala, BMS II

In an exemplary partnership and community spirit, the recent collaboration between the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region XIII, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Education specifically Sumilihon Elementary School and Lumbocan Elementary School has set a new benchmark for the success of SY 2024 Brigada Eskwela held simultaneously on July 24, 2022.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in its support of DBM’s initiative, provided a generous supply of seedlings as part of a collaborative effort to promote environmental sustainability. The seedlings, which include a variety of native tree species, are suitable for planting in Barangay Sumilihon and Lumbocan, contributing to ecosystem restoration and protecting and preserving natural resources for future generations. This joint effort, which brought together government resources and local community support, highlights the transformative impact of collaborative initiatives in enhancing educational environments.

The DBM RO XIII, primarily responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient allocation of the national budget, has extended its support to Sumilihon Elementary School and  Lumbocan Elementary School by donating various supplies and having brief  dialogues concerning budgetary and procurement matters. Following the short program is the conduct of a Tree-growing Activity on the school grounds participated by the DBM RO XIII management committee, finance and administrative staff, technical staff and outsourced personnel. This annual initiative received a significant boost from DBM's involvement in education as well as environmental protection. The collaboration aimed to address the specific needs of these schools, ensuring that they were not only prepared for the return of students but also equipped to provide a safe and conducive learning environment.

Furthermore, the success of this partnership serves as a model for future collaborations between government agencies and educational institutions. It underscores the potential for similar initiatives to address the diverse needs of schools across the country, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can drive meaningful change in the educational sector. By combining government support with local community involvement, the initiative not only prepared schools for the academic year but also fostered a sense of unity and shared responsibility.

This successful collaboration stands as a testament to what can be achieved when different sectors come together with a common goal. It just shows that collective effort and strategic partnerships, significant improvements in education and school environments are well within reach.