Bayanihan, partnerships drive Brigada Eskwela national kickoff in Agusan Norte
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The spirit of community cooperation and multi-sectoral partnership took center stage as the Department of Education (DepEd) formally launched the 2026 Brigada Eskwela through a national kickoff program at Cabadbaran City National High School in Agusan del Norte on June 1, mobilizing government agencies, local government units, private organizations, parents, volunteers, and community stakeholders in preparation for the opening of classes on June 8.
Carrying the theme “Bayanihan sa Paaralan: Nagkakaisa para sa Kaayusan at Kaalaman,” this year’s Brigada Eskwela reinforces the national government’s call for a whole-of-community approach in ensuring that schools remain safe, resilient, and conducive to learning.
The initiative aligns with the education agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which prioritizes improved learning outcomes, stronger stakeholder engagement, and enhanced learning environments for Filipino learners.
Leading the kickoff was Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who emphasized that quality education is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of communities and development partners.
As part of the program, DepEd and its partners turned over learning resources and school facilities, including solar panel systems donated by the Aboitiz Foundation through Aurora Project PH and television sets, courtesy of the City Savings Bank. The donations are expected to strengthen technology-enabled learning and improve educational services in public schools.
Angara thanked government agencies, private organizations, and community partners for their continued support of the education sector, noting that collaboration remains essential in addressing the needs of schools and learners.
The education chief also led tree-planting activities and participated in the painting of classrooms, chairs, and tables alongside Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, Agusan del Norte Representative Dale B. Corvera, Cabadbaran City Mayor Judy Chin Amante, DepEd Caraga Regional Director Maria Ines C. Asuncion, Cabadbaran City Schools Division Superintendent Imelda Sabornido, and other national and regional officials.
The activities highlighted environmental stewardship and sustainability, which are vital in creating learner-friendly and climate-resilient school communities.
Governor Amante called on stakeholders to preserve and strengthen the Filipino tradition of bayanihan in addressing challenges faced by the education sector.
“Let us not lose the spirit of bayanihan. Whatever challenges we are facing, if we work hand in hand, we can overcome them,” Amante said.
She stressed that collective action among government agencies, educators, parents, private partners, and volunteers remains crucial in ensuring that learners have access to safe, conducive learning environments.
Meanwhile, Mayor Judy Chin Amante reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to supporting education and strengthening community participation in school programs.
“Let us continue working for our children,” the mayor said, encouraging stakeholders to remain united in building an inclusive learning community and advancing student welfare.
Representative Dale B. Corvera described Brigada Eskwela as more than an annual school maintenance activity, saying it embodies the enduring Filipino values of volunteerism, unity, and shared responsibility.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, helps create a safe, conducive, and learning-ready environment for our children,” Corvera said.
Another key highlight of the kickoff was the strengthened partnership between DepEd and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
The initiative demonstrates the government’s whole-of-government approach to school preparedness by providing temporary employment opportunities while helping ensure that schools are ready for the opening of classes.
In Cabadbaran City alone, 1,496 TUPAD beneficiaries were mobilized for the Brigada Eskwela activities.
The first batch, composed of 906 beneficiaries, was deployed from May 13 to 23 to undertake cleaning and maintenance work in public areas surrounding schools, including pavements, streets, sidewalks, and other community spaces. Beneficiaries included solo parents, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, members of the LGBTQ community, and other informal workers from various barangays in the city.
Meanwhile, a second batch consisting of 590 beneficiaries started work on May 29 and will continue until June 9. They were assigned to various schools and educational facilities, including 150 workers at Cabadbaran City National High School, 100 each at Cabadbaran South Central Elementary School and North Cabadbaran Central Elementary School, and additional beneficiaries deployed to schools in Del Pilar, Dagani, Calamba, Soriano, and Comagascas, as well as the DepEd Cabadbaran Division Office.
Under the program, beneficiaries carry out various Brigada Eskwela activities designed to ensure that public schools are clean, safe, disaster-resilient, and conducive to learning before the start of classes.
These activities include facility maintenance and minor repairs such as fixing leaking roofs, damaged desks, chairs, blackboards, doors, and windows; cleaning and sanitation of classrooms, hallways, and restrooms; beautification and landscaping through repainting, tree trimming, and maintenance of school gardens; and safety measures such as clearing drainage systems, trimming hazardous branches, and securing school grounds against potential natural hazards.
Among the beneficiaries is Salome H. Fiel, a mother of three, who has been helping clean and prepare Cabadbaran City National High School since May 26.
For Fiel, the program provides more than an opportunity to earn income. It also allows her to contribute to creating a better learning environment for children, including her own.
“I am happy to be part of the TUPAD program because I can help prepare the school where my children study while also helping provide for my family’s needs,” Fiel said.
She shared that seeing the school become cleaner and more welcoming for learners gives her a sense of fulfillment, knowing that her efforts contribute to the success of the incoming school year.
Fiel’s story reflects how government programs can create dual benefits, supporting vulnerable families through temporary employment while strengthening community participation in education.
The kickoff program also featured a gallery walk showcasing best practices from the 12 Schools Division Offices in Caraga, partner organization exhibits, the Brigada Pagbasa Reading Park, and the PhilHealth’s YAKAP Caravan. The exhibits highlighted innovative initiatives and collaborative efforts aimed at improving literacy, health, and learner development.
As Brigada Eskwela activities continue nationwide, education officials expressed optimism that the collective efforts of government agencies, local government units, private organizations, parents, and volunteers will help advance the administration’s goal of providing accessible, inclusive, and quality education for all.
With communities working side by side in the spirit of bayanihan, Brigada Eskwela continues to demonstrate that preparing schools is not solely the responsibility of educators but a shared commitment of the entire community toward shaping a brighter future for Filipino learners. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
