The Lucians Fourth Estate

EDITORIAL | Dust, Paint, and Sunshine: Brigada Eskwela

As the long break comes to an end, there's a five-day event that everyone knows whenever the school year is about to start—Brigada Eskwela. Some loathe it, some just participate because they are told to, and some attend voluntarily because of pure willingness and their sense of duty.

Who would even want to tire themselves out when others could do it? Well, Brigada Eskwela isn't just a word or a term. It is an event that symbolizes bayanihan, teamwork, and collaboration.

Besides, we are the ones who will benefit from it in the first place because it is the time where everyone prepares for the upcoming school year. Which means, it is the time where everyone works together to fix and turn a messy classroom into a room for learning.

But is it required for students to attend it? According to the DepEd Memorandum No. 27 s. 2026, parents, learners, community members, and external stakeholders may also be part of the task force provided that the nature of the involvement is voluntary. In simpler words, it is optional and is not a requirement.

Yes, it can be tiring and would make people stay at home rather than participate in it, it's not the tiredness or the heavy lifting that's special. It's about the people who we are doing it with — the same classmates who made last year bearable, and brighter.

The feeling of joy and sunshine when we accomplish something, especially with the people we most care about, is what makes these 5 days special.

Editorial | Asher Santiago
Art | Neil Alzate

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬 | The voice within the silence
by Courtney Sarmiento, Journo.

There's a color that speaks this April,
not loudly, but powerfully—like a promise kept.

It is Teal. The shade of healing,
the color of hearts that have learned to rise
above pain and darkness.

This month is not only about dates or special events,
it is about breaking the chains of fear and silence.
It is about reminding the world that every body is sacred, worthy of respect and dignity.
A place where only “Yes” has meaning,
and “No” is a word that must always be respected.

Too many stories have been hidden in shame,
too many voices were silenced by fear.
But this month, we say...

ENOUGH.

We wear Teal not only as a color, but because it symbolizes hope.
That we can stand together and say:
You are not alone.
You are believed.
You are stronger than what you think.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month starts as a whisper and grows into a call for change.
It reminds us that silence can't protect us,
but speaking up can.

It teaches us that respect is not just an option, but a right that everyone have.
That consent is never to be forced,
but freely given and valued.

So let this April be a reminder that every person deserves safety,
to walk freely,
to live without any fear.
Because behind every survivor is a story of strength.
And behind every Teal ribbon is a heart that says:This is enough, I will not let violence win.

Photo from: pinterest

Graphic design by Thriztan Jhoe Flores, Journo.

𝗔𝗥𝗧 | Breathing Death Daily
By Neil Andrew Alzate, journo.