Nearly 6,000 TUPAD beneficiaries deployed across Caraga for Brigada Eskwela
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) (PIA) — A total of ₱24.3 million worth of salaries were allocated for beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program across Caraga Region to aid in the preparation of schools during Brigada Eskwela on June 1–6, 2026. This initiative aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure safe and well-prepared school environments conducive to learning ahead of the opening of classes for School Year 2026–2027.
This year, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to maximize the services of TUPAD beneficiaries, providing additional manpower in readying public schools. Volunteers worked hand in hand with teachers, parents, and community members to clean, repair, and organize classrooms.
During the nationwide Brigada Eskwela kick-off on June 1 in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara underscored the importance of ‘bayanihan’ or teamwork as the community prepares for the annual school opening.
“Every year, we work together to prepare our school for our students. The most important thing we could do as a community is to raise our children the right way. And how do we do that? It is through education,” Angara said.
Recognizing the crucial function of schools in providing quality education through creating a conducive learning environment for students, Angara expressed gratitude to DOLE for its support in mobilizing volunteers under the TUPAD program.
“Ang DOLE ay nagbigay ng 240,000 volunteers nationwide sa ilalim ng TUPAD. Inanunsyo po ito ng bagong Secretary, Francis Tolentino. Maraming, maraming salamat sa DOLE. Malaking bagay po ito. Lalo pang gaganahan ang ating mga komunidad na makilahok sa Brigada Eskwela (The DOLE sent 240,000 volunteers nationwide under the TUPAD program. This was announced by no less than the new secretary, Francis Tolentino. Thank you very much, DOLE. This will be of great help. Our stakeholders will be more motivated to participate in the Brigada Eskwela through your help.),” he added.
Also present during the national kickoff were DOLE Caraga Regional Director Jason P. Balais and Assistant Regional Director Fatima Quorayce Bataga, who joined the event to show their utmost support to DepEd and to highlight DOLE’s commitment to strengthening community participation in Brigada Eskwela.
With the combined efforts of government agencies, educators, parents, and volunteers, Brigada Eskwela 2026 highlights the enduring spirit of bayanihan. As schools across Caraga and the rest of the country prepare to welcome learners, the initiative stands as a testament to the nation’s collective commitment to education and the future of Filipino children. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from DOLE Caraga)
