GIVING BACK. A heartfelt thank you to the Eagles Clubs for their generous donation of school supplies! Camansi School Head Mylene M. Pimentel (upper right) and IPs Mandatory Representative Gemelito Laban ("Datu Lagandang") express their gratitude alongside Royal Knight Eagles VP Helbert Serrano, Jessie Mirasol, Jun Caracho, Rico Saraos, Ben Balce, and Royal Knights Lady Eagles Club President Ma. Llani Tan. (Photos supplied)

ROYAL Knights Eagles Club and Royal Knights Lady Eagles Club, under Northern Mindanao Region -12 (NMR-12) of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Philippines Eagles, Inc., , embarked on a meaningful community service initiative on Saturday, bringing their "Brigada Eskwela" program to the Camansi Integrated School. 

Located in Zone 6, Sitio Camansi, within the far-flung barangay of FS Catanico in Cagayan de Oro City, the school serves a community of over 400 indigenous people belonging to the Higaonon Tribe. 

This remote area, situated on the boundary of Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon, often faces challenges in accessing essential resources and support.

The "Brigada Eskwela" program, a nationwide initiative preparing public schools for the upcoming school year, saw the Eagles Clubs actively participating in improving the school's facilities.  This included providing essential school supplies like pens, papers, and other basic learning materials for the students. 

The said Eagles Club members, demonstrating their dedication and hard work, traveled to the remote and mountainous area to personally deliver the school supplies to the students. 

The event was a testament to the Eagles Clubs' commitment to serving their community and fostering a brighter future for the children of Camansi. 

The Higaonon community expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the Eagles Clubs' efforts, recognizing the significant impact their contributions would have on the school's overall functionality and the students' learning experience.

The "Brigada Eskwela" at Camansi Integrated School was not just about physical improvements; it was about building bridges and strengthening the bond between the Eagles Clubs and the indigenous community. 

It's a tough walk to school for the kids in Camansi. They have to go over hills and valleys, but they never give up on learning.

Their classrooms might be unusual, but they're full of learning and hope for their community.

The Eagles engaged with the school officials including the IP, sharing their knowledge and skills, and fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.

"The Eagles Clubs' initiative highlighted the importance of community involvement in supporting education, particularly in underserved areas," said NMR- 12 governor Eagle Eric Daabay. 

By investing their time and resources in the Camansi Integrated School, Daabay said, the clubs demonstrated their commitment to empowering the Higaonon community and ensuring that all children have access to quality education.

"The "Brigada Eskwela" at Camansi Integrated School served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of community service," said Daabay. 

He said that it showcased the positive impact that individuals and organizations can have when they come together to address the needs of their community. 

"The Eagles Clubs' dedication to improving the lives of others, particularly those in remote and marginalized areas, is an inspiration to all," Daabay stressed.

The event also served as a platform for promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. 

The Eagles Clubs' interaction with the Higaonon community provided valuable insights into their traditions, values, and aspirations. 

This exchange of knowledge and perspectives fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse cultures that enrich the fabric of Philippine society.

The "Brigada Eskwela" at Camansi Integrated School was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on the school, the community, and the volunteers themselves. 

It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community service, cultural understanding, and the transformative power of collective action. 

Camansi school head Mylene M. Pimentel and IPs Mandatory Representative Gemelito Laban, also known as "Datu Lagandang," expressed their sincere gratitude to the Eagles Clubs for the generous donation of school supplies. 

Both Pimentel and Laban highlighted the crucial role these supplies would play in enhancing the learning environment for the students.

Pimentel and Laban also extended their thanks to the dedicated members who participated in the "Brigada Eskwela," including Royal Knight Eagles VP Helbert Serrano, Jessie Mirasol, Jun Caracho, Rico Saraos and this writer (Ben Balce), as well as Royal Knights Lady Eagles Club president Ma. Llani Tan.