The National Brigada Eskwela 2026 formally kicks off in Cabadbaran City National High School (CCNHS) in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, with Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara gracing the opening ceremony on Monday.
Angara was joined by top officials from Agusan del Norte and DepEd-13 (Caraga Region) at the event.
This year’s theme is “Bayanihan sa Paaralan: Nagkaisa para sa Kaayusan at Kaalaman.”
In his message, Angara emphasized the spirit of Bayanihan that was embodied during the conduct of Brigada Eskwela in every school in the country.
“We also thank the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the support for this year’s implementation of Brigada Eskwela,” Angara said.
The DOLE has allocated PHP2 billion in funding this year to support the Brigada Eskwela through the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program, which will benefit about 240,000 workers nationwide.
Brigada Eskwela is institutionalized through DepEd Order No. 04 series of 2028 as an annual school maintenance week.
In the Caraga Region, the initial phase of the TUPAD program will be implemented in Cabadbaran City and will cover two phases.
On Monday, DOLE-13 reported that phase 1 will benefit about 906 people, while phase two will involve 590 people in the city.
They will render 10 days of work at different schools in the city and will be paid PHP475 per day, based on the region’s minimum wage.
“I am glad to be part of the TUPAD program and at the same time render services in the school where my daughter is enrolled,” said Anita Salahag, 52, a mother of two and a resident of Cabadbaran City.
She added that she will render services at CCNHS, where her daughter will be enrolled in senior high school.
Another beneficiary, Michael Aquino, 45, with five children, is thankful to the government for allowing him to work under the TUPAD program.
“At least, in the next 10 days, I will render services at CCNHS and get paid through TUPAD. The payment is a big help to my family,” Aquino said.
The DOLE-13 said that the services covered under the TUPAD program during Brigada Eskwela will include facility maintenance and repairs, such as fixing leaking roofs, repairing broken desks, chairs, and blackboards, and fixing classroom doors or windows.
They will also be involved in the cleaning and sanitation, beautification and landscaping, and safety and hazard proofing. (PNA)
