GETTING READY. Fritz Enjhay Cepe, head of the Rotary Club of Antique, signs the commitment board to support the Department of Education (DepEd) "Brigada Eskwela" in preparation for the school opening on Aug. 22. Evelyn Remo, DepEd Antique Schools Governance and Operations chief, said on Friday (Aug. 12, 2022) there would be 603 schools that are scheduled to open.(PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay) SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique -Around 168,000 learners are expected to go back to 603 public and private schools in Antique this coming Aug. 22 opening. Evelyn Remo, chief of the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Governance and Operations Division of Antique, said in an interview Friday the 603 schools include 534 public schools, 67 private and two state universities and colleges would conduct face-to-face classes. On Thursday, DepEd held the provincial kick-off ceremony of the "Brigada Eskwela" at the Antique National School (ANS) in San Jose de Buenavista although there were schools that have already started their preparations since Aug. 1. The Brigada aims to encourage parents and stakeholders to help prepare the classrooms and school premises for the learners. DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Felisa Beriong said she was elated with the various commitments from parents and stakeholders. "There were a lot of partners who came from the bank, men in uniform, private companies and media who signed their commitment to help in the Brigada," she said in an interview. Senior Education Program Specialist and in-charge of the Brigada Eskwela Roselyn Abuela, said in a separate interview, that the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police helped in the cleanup and minor repair of schools. The Hallow's Foundation will be giving free eye consultation to the learners, City Savings Bank provided paint for the schools, the Lion's and Rotary Clubs will provide books and help in the remedial reading of the learners. (PNA) }