The Department of Education (DepEd) in Bohol clarified that although they are encouraging parents, students and other stakeholders to join the “Brigada Eskwela” school cleanup drive, participation is not mandatory nor a requirement for enrollment.

Desidero Deligero, chief of DepEd Bohol’s School Governance and Operations Division, made the clarification Thursday amid reports that some parents were told that they were required to join the initiative.

“Sa atong Brigada karong semanaha wa g’yud siya gi-require nato nga ipilit na mo Brigada g’yud ka aron ma-enroll. Volunteerism man gud ni,” said Deligero.

According to Deligero, it is up to the parents if they donate cash or materials for the cleanup drive in lieu of their participation.

He also said that there is no set amount on how much the contribution will be if parents do decide to donate.

“Hanyo lang na, tabang lang ba para atong mga skwelahan ma-ready pero wa gyud na gi-require na tampuhan, ug kanang giingon na gi-require, di maka-enroll kung di ka Brigada, wa g’yud ta ana, wa tay memorandum na naghisgot bahin ana,” said Deligero.

Those who have been required to participate in the Brigada Eskwela program or pay up for their absence may file a complaint before the DepEd.

“Ipa-formal, mas maayo g’yud na dunay formal written complaint kay aron maaksyonan namo dayon, aron makuha namo ang attention sa school head,” said Deligero.

Brigada Eskwela is an annual and nationwide cleanup program for public schools which started on Monday and will end on Friday, ahead of the opening of classes on June 3.