BALUBAL, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, 02 June 2026 – Moving as one nation to ensure safe and conducive learning environments, the Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office X officially launched the 2026 Regional Brigada Eskwela Kick-Off at Balubal Elementary School.
Under the theme “Bayanihan sa Paaralan: Nagkaisa para sa Kaayusan at Kaalaman,” the annual campaign aims to promote community volunteerism through cleaning, minor repairs, painting, and the overall maintenance of classrooms and school grounds.
The event was graced by key education officials and stakeholders, led by DepEd Undersecretary for Support to the Implementation of Public-Private Partnerships Atty. Gerard L. Chan, DepEd Region X Regional Director Dr. Ruth L. Fuentes, CESO III, and Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Roy Angelo Gazo. The kick-off also saw active participation from the local government unit, partner government agencies, private sector stakeholders, various DepEd personnel, and parents all uniting to usher in the new school year.
This year’s Brigada Eskwela highlights a powerful inter-agency collaboration, specifically featuring a partnership between DepEd and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through its TUPAD Program. Under this initiative, DOLE has allocated funds for a cash-for-work program designed to provide temporary employment to locals while simultaneously accelerating school preparation efforts. Alongside the maintenance work, the event also featured the YAKAP at Kalinga Caravan in partnership with PhilHealth, which was rolled out to guarantee the health, wellness, and social security of teachers, learners, and their families ahead of the school opening. The Bayanihan spirit was further amplified by the attendance of various other government agencies, private organizations, and civil society groups, all bringing localized programs and resources directly to the beneficiary school.
Education leaders expressed profound gratitude and reiterated the department’s vision for a resilient and united education community. In her message, RD Fuentes highlighted the immense cooperation of the community, stating that “the support from various stakeholders [for Brigada Eskwela] is really overwhelming… we commend and express our deepest gratitude to both public and private partners for making this possible as we open our classes for School Year 2026-2027.”
In support of this remark, Usec. Chan emphasized how the program builds the nation’s character, remarking that “Brigada Eskwela has always been our full testament to solidarity. Year after year, it continues to inspire stories of bayanihan. Hindi lamang tayo naghahanda ng mga silid-aralan, humuhubog tayo ng mga mamamayang may malasakit, katatagan, at kakayahang harapin ang kinabukasan.”