03/06/2026
A total of 560 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have been deployed to 28 elementary schools across Romblon province to assist in this yearβs Brigada Eskwela activities.
The TUPAD beneficiaries will render 10 days of work, equivalent to two weeks, helping schools prepare classrooms, clean school grounds, repair facilities, and carry out other maintenance activities ahead of the opening of classes.
The deployment was also mentioned during the provincial kick-off ceremony of Brigada Eskwela held on Monday, June 1, at Odiongan North Central Elementary School in Barangay Batiano, Odiongan, Romblon, where education officials and stakeholders gathered to launch this yearβs school maintenance and preparation campaign.
Schools Division Superintendent Roger Capa welcomed the initiative, saying the additional workforce will significantly help schools complete their preparations and create a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
During the same event, Governor Trina Alejandra Firmalo-Fabic announced that the Provincial Government of Romblon would provide β±10,000 to every Department of Education (DepEd) school in the province through the Special Education Fund.
Firmalo-Fabic said the assistance would be institutionalized, removing the need for school heads to submit annual requests for Brigada Eskwela support.
Meanwhile, Romblon Congressman Eleandro Jesus Madrona pledged β±50,000 for every school district in the province, with the funds to be distributed based on the needs of individual schools in preparation for the opening of classes.
Madrona also emphasized the importance of sustained community participation in education, saying Brigada Eskwela should continue beyond the traditional pre-opening activities and that parents, local officials, and stakeholders must remain actively involved in supporting schools throughout the school year.
Meanwhile, officials, educators, and stakeholders signed a pledge of commitment during the ceremony, reaffirming their support for Brigada Eskwela and the shared responsibility of improving public school facilities and learning conditions.
Brigada Eskwela is the DepEdβs annual nationwide program that mobilizes communities, government agencies, private organizations, and volunteers to help prepare public schools for the opening of classes.
The initiative complements the education priorities of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to improve school facilities, strengthen community involvement, and ensure better learning opportunities for Filipino students. | via Paul Jaysent Fos
