Bayanihang Bulilit
The first days of class are often the most difficult. For children, it means adjusting to a new place filled with unfamiliar faces. For parents, it means waking up early, preparing uniforms and snacks, and trusting someone with their child. For Child Development Workers (CDWs), it means being patient with children who do not want to let go of their parents, and ensuring that they are cared for while learning their lessons.
When asked how they prepare for the schoolyear, child development workers mentioned that they prepared themselves physically in anticipation of all the running and play with their students; they also prepared themselves mentally and emotionally by cultivating patience and understanding.
A clean and friendly classroom helps children feel safe. When children feel safe, they can explore, play, and learn better. A healthy learning space encourages curiosity. Hence, apart from preparing themselves, the CDWs explained how they prepared their child development centers. They spoke of the collaboration of parents, the barangay, and CDWs in creating a safe learning environment for the children through Bayanihang Bulilit.
Bayanihang Bulilit is their version of Brigada Eskwela—a yearly initiative to ensure that classrooms are clean, safe, and ready for children. For this initiative, they invite parents and community volunteers to help prepare the learning space. Together, they sweep floors, fix chairs, hang decorations, and clean toys and bookshelves. Everyone works together to welcome the children.
For Teacher Francisca Gaspar, a child development worker from Anao, Tarlac, it is important to involve everyone in this initiative:
“Una po sa lahat, bilang paghahanda sa nalalapit na pasukan ngayong taon, ang mga magulang ay dapat makibahagi sa paglilinis sa loob at labas ng daycare center at hinihikayat ko rin po ang mga opisyales ng barangay upang tumulong sa paglilinis at pagsasaayos ng daycare center,” Teacher Francisca added, "ang partisipasyon ng bawat isa ay makatutulong sa kaligtasan ng lahat.”
The spirit of bayanihan is very much alive in this initiative. A father repairing a broken chair, a mother bringing cleaning supplies, or a barangay volunteer worker painting a faded wall: these acts of service may seem small but they all add up to something bigger. They help create a second home for the children.
Teacher Janet Gabuya of Ramos, Tarlac, believes that education should begin with a strong relationship between parents and teachers.
“Naniniwala ako na ang magandang mabibigay na edukasyon sa mga bata ay magsisimula sa magandang relasyon ng parents at guro.”
CDWs conduct orientation sessions for parents to brief them on how they can help, build strong connections, and foster communication. A similar statement was also made by Teacher Arlene Lacorte from Ramos, Tarlac.
“Mahalaga din ang tungkulin ng pamilya sa pangangalaga at pagkatuto ng kanilang anak pati na rin sa kanilang kaalaman at kakayahan”
CDWs know that early experiences shape a child’s future. They serve as second parents and make sure to build a conducive, safe, and child-friendly home for their students. Indeed, Bayanihang Bulilit is more than just a week of cleaning and fixing. It is a way for communities to show their love for children by creating a safe space for them.
Support a Child Development Center now, and together, let’s create a community that nurtures love for children.