Children continue to find themselves caught in the middle of political conflicts. In recent weeks, several public schools in the “Embo” barangays have become the battleground for Taguig and Makati as they fight over jurisdiction. The Supreme Court ruling in favor of Taguig gave them control over 10 barangays, which placed important Makati services and buildings, like Ospital ng Makati, University of Makati, and Makati Science High School (MSHS), in unfamiliar territory. MSHS became a hotspot, with police and volunteers from both cities claiming authority. Unfortunately, their use of the “Brigada Eskwela” program as a pretext to display their power and assert their jurisdiction has caused confusion and fear among students and parents.
It’s disheartening to see public education becoming increasingly politicized and militarized. Even during the transition to in-person classes, soldiers and police officers were seen in classrooms with their guns, making students feel uneasy. The Department of Education (DepEd) seems more focused on combating communism within schools, holding frequent seminars to educate students about its dangers. However, these seminars have raised concerns about red-tagging. Furthermore, DepEd has requested confidential funds twice now, supposedly for security purposes. Incidents like the recent surveillance drone mishap at the University of the Philippines Diliman demonstrate the police’s encroachment on academic spaces. The ongoing “Brigada wars” between Makati and Taguig further highlight how politics takes precedence over the well-being of students.
The Brigada Eskwela program itself is controversial. It relies on the Filipino spirit of “bayanihan,” where teachers, parents, and volunteers come together to prepare schools for the new academic year. While this program may seem noble, DepEd has become dependent on it instead of advocating for a proper government budget to improve and supply classrooms. DepEd claims they lack the funds for necessary upgrades, hiring more teachers, and building additional classrooms. However, their request and subsequent receipt of a significant budget for confidential funds raise doubts about their budget constraints. Moreover, the program has become a convenient opportunity for politicians to stage photo-ops. Recently, both the president and vice president were seen painting chairs in a public school classroom. Taguig’s decision to make Brigada Eskwela their first appearance to their new constituents also feels like a photo-op stunt. Showing up unannounced at a school and insisting on entry, even under the guise of volunteering, is not an act of “bayanihan” but rather a display of disrespect and disregard for the feelings of the new constituents. By causing disruption during the start of the academic year, they reveal a lack of concern for the students and the community’s proper transition.
From the moment I heard that the Embo barangays would fall under Taguig’s jurisdiction, I knew the transition would be challenging due to the large number of constituents and services involved. It is an enormous task that cannot be avoided. However, the way Taguig has approached the transition has caused more suffering than necessary. Their top-down attitude is a mistake. They must remember that they are inheriting human beings with their own rights and agencies, not just inanimate objects. The immediate transfer of jurisdiction from Makati to Taguig, without proper consultation among stakeholders, such as local government units, teachers, parents, and students, highlights the consequences of hasty decision-making by top management. Change is often feared, and it is Taguig and Makati’s responsibility to alleviate these fears by implementing a phased transition and considering the needs and concerns of their constituents. Instead of abruptly barging into schools, Taguig should have conducted awareness campaigns to inform people of the implications of the jurisdiction change on their daily lives. They needed to allow time for the new constituents to absorb this significant change and provide them with an opportunity to ask questions and express their concerns. Taguig should have acknowledged and respected the grief of those who have considered themselves Makati citizens for a long time, rather than invalidating or penalizing their loyalty. Taguig should focus on exciting their new constituents by showcasing what they have to offer, rather than simply taking over Makati’s education and social service investments. This situation reminds me of the biblical story of Solomon and the two mothers claiming a baby. If only the baby had a voice in all of this.
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