Members of the Manuel M. Abello Masonic Lodge No. 260 and the Scottish Rite Freemasons Body of Bacolod Orient of Negros pushed through severe weather to conduct their 16th annual Brigada Eskwela at a remote elementary school in La Carlota City.
The outreach operation at Miguel S. Mondia Elementary School in Barangay Yubo proceeded despite heavy rains and strong winds generated by Typhoon Inday, a press release from the masonic lodge said
The school, located a few kilometers from the crater of Mt. Kanlaon, is classified by the Department of Education as a “Last Mile” school due to its severe geographic isolation and lack of resources.
The beneficiary families have been facing prolonged displacement and hardship following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino on November 4, and subsequent volcanic activity from Mt. Kanlaon, which has kept many residents in city evacuation centers.
During the activity, the Freemasons distributed school bags, fundamental learning materials, basic supplies, and food packages to the students.
Worshipful Master Joaquin Jude G. Ledesma said that the distribution aimed to provide tangible support and encouragement to the displaced students, parents, and teachers navigating the dual impact of the weather disturbances and volcanic hazards.
“We hope to continue giving these young learners the courage to dream and the strength to endure,” Ledesma said. “Even in the face of storms and ashfalls, education remains the light that will guide them toward a brighter future.”
The seasonal operations at the adopted school were supported through a continuing partnership with the Scottish Rite Visayas Bodies and Past Grand Master Don Ramas T. Uypitching, the press release said.*
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