By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur— Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the nationwide simultaneous launch of this year’s Brigada Eskwela on Monday, underscoring community volunteerism and livelihood support as public schools prepare for the upcoming academic year.
The national kick-off, held at Cabadbaran City National High School in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, served as the focal point for simultaneous activities across regional host schools nationwide, aimed at readying classrooms for School Year 2026–2027. Volunteers joined in cleaning, minor repairs, painting, and general school grounds improvements.
“Brigada Eskwela demonstrates the enduring spirit of bayanihan for the future of our youth. With the guidance and support of President Bongbong Marcos, we have aligned TUPAD and Brigada not only to ready our schools but also to provide livelihood opportunities for families in need,” Angara said.
A key feature of this year’s program is the strengthened partnership between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program. DOLE allocated around PhP2 billion to fund short-term, cash-for-work initiatives prioritizing schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, underserved communities, and regions affected by disasters.
The collaboration aims to provide temporary employment to roughly 240,000 workers, giving priority to qualified parents and relatives of learners, while ensuring public schools are ready for classes on June 8.
Angara personally joined volunteers in painting blackboards and tables in the Home Economics room, exemplifying hands-on leadership and community engagement. Beyond TUPAD support, government agencies and private-sector partners pledged technical assistance, volunteer services, materials, and other interventions to further strengthen Brigada Eskwela 2026.
Simultaneous regional kick-offs were also held Monday in Schools Division Offices in Nueva Ecija, Batangas City, Puerto Princesa City, Talisay City, Calbayog City, and Davao City.
In conjunction with the national launch, DepEd also held a YAKAP Caravan at Cabadbaran City National High School in partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), providing free medical consultations, laboratory tests, and essential medicines for school personnel and students.
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