INCAT: Built by Hope. Tested by Time. Strengthened by Unity.

Guided by its mantra, “There is beauty in unity,” Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades
(INCAT) and its staple stakeholders are as one to realize one purpose: to make the school clean,
safe, and ready for the next school year through the conduct of the Brigada Eskuwela (BE).
Indeed, the action to develop, improve and beautify INCAT is likened to a seed that when
carefully planted, well-taken cared of, and is watered with time, effort, patience, camaraderie,
and hard work, it will grow and become into a school that is fit for the well-being of the students,
the teachers, and the rest of the community.
Through the leadership of Mrs. Shirley C. Agsunod, School Principa IVl, the BE has shaped
the course of unity among administrators, teachers, staff, parents, students, community officials,
and other volunteers. All firmly believe that in unity lies strength and in strength lies success.
The goal of BE 2019 all started in the formation and collaboration of the different
committees, namely Advocacy and Marketing, Resource Mobilization, Program Implementation,
Physical Facilities/Resources and Finance, Documentation, Disaster Preparedness, and Water,
Sanitation and Hygiene in School (Wins) Program. Each committee is led by the supervising
official, chair, and co-chair.
For school year 2019-2020, the BE was conducted from May 20 to May 25. The undertaking
kicked off with a motorcade around the City of Laoag. This was followed by an opening program,
in which the school principal welcomed and expressed her gratitude to the volunteers. Then, Mr.
Noli B. Joaquin, BE over-all coordinator, gave the rationale of the the It was then followed by the
rationale of the BE. Afterwards, a zumba took place to ignite the energy among volunteers.
INCAT was overwhelmed with tremendous support from public and private sectors. Each of
them made sure that the need of the whole school will be addressed with their best effort, time,
and hard work.
To ensure that there's enough funds to be used during the BE, the teaching and non-
teaching staff handed solicitation letters and envelopes to parents, students, communities,
alumni, local government units, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders. The
amount generated from the solicitations was used to buy paint, light bulbs, cleaning materials,
and snacks for volunteers. Aside from cash, INCAT was a recipient of various donations such as
gravel, sand, paint, and many more.
Further, volunteers coming from the Provincial and City Parole and Probation Office; Red
Cross - Ilocos Norte/Laoag City Chapter, Philippine National Police - Laoag City; Department of
Public Highways - Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Norte 1st District Engineering Office; JLP Construction and
Supply; Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative; Laoag City Raven Taekwondo Team; Bethel Church;
Jollibee Centro Laoag; INCAT General Parent-Teacher Association (GPTA); INCAT Alumni
Association; and INCAT Multipurpose Cooperative. The volunteers rendered services such as
repair and installation of lights and fans in the classrooms; repainting of gate, fences, classrooms,
catwalks, and restrooms; cutting of trees; declogging of canals; and cleaning of the school
surroundings.
Specifically, the president of the INCAT GPTA, Mr. Joyce A. Carla, has been very active in
implementing his projects. He has taken necessary actions to solve the problems related to the
restrooms of the school.
In addition, nearby barangays in Laoag City offered their help throughout the six-day clean-
up and beautification of the school premises. Said barangays are headed by Mr. Alfredo M.
Peralta (Brgy. 5), Mr. Dionicio Teodoro Guillermo Jr. (Brgy. 6), Mr. Henry L. Yumul (Brgy. 7-A),
and Mr. Joey L. Agliam (Brgy 7-B).
Finally, to fully carry on the idea of volunteerism, the BE was participated in by dedicated
faculty and staff, committed parents, and helpful students who are all eager and determined to
make INCAT a better, safer, cleaner, more beautiful, and more favorable learning environment.
On the last day, Mrs. Agsunod extended her utmost gratitude to those who shared their time
and generosity for this year's BE. As a proof of her indebtedness to volunteers, they were handed
with certificates of appreciation. Also, teachers, who exerted much effort to improve their
classrooms, were commended and given certificates of recognition.
Undeniably, when all are determined to make the impossible become possible, the vision to
become a mission, and the dream to become a reality, any work will be easy. With the
unconditional love and unending support that everyone gives to INCAT, the next generations of
students can be assured that the Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades will forever be the
Hallmark of Brilliance and Excellence. The stories of volunteerism, dedication, commitment,
perseverance, and success that are etched in every corner of INCAT will inspire them to uphold
the ideals of the school and to continue making INCAT truly sikat.
So long as we are all for one and one for all, INCAT is always geared to becoming a school
where changes are embraced with optimism, where feats are celebrated with delight, and where
challenges are faced with cooperation. It is hoped that the legacies of INCAT will not be just
written in books or told in stories, but these will be permanently stored in our minds and hearts.
For our institution will always be that INCAT which has been built by hope, tested by time, and
strengthened by unity.