Brigada Eskwela 2026 starts; 240,000 workers tapped to prepare schools

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday kicked off Brigada Eskwela 2026 nationwide from Agusan del Norte, rolling out a P2-billion cash-for-work program aimed at employing 240,000 workers to help prepare public schools for the upcoming school year.

The kickoff at Cabadbaran City National High School launched a coordinated nationwide effort, with regional host schools simultaneously preparing classrooms in public schools.

For School Year 2026–2027, DepEd has scheduled the start of classes on June 8, signaling a shift to a three-term academic calendar.

“Brigada Eskwela is proof of the strength of our solidarity for the future of the youth,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement.

Carrying the theme “Bayanihan sa Paaralan: Nagkaisa para sa Kaayusan at Kaalaman” (School Volunteerism: United for Order and Knowledge), this year’s Brigada Eskwela, which runs until June 5, mobilizes volunteers to conduct school cleanups, minor repairs, repainting, and classroom reorganization.

During the event, Angara joined volunteers in school preparation efforts, including painting a blackboard and a table in the Home Economics room.

A major component of Brigada Eskwela 2026 is the strengthened collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) program.

“We united Tupad and Brigada Eskwela not only to prepare schools but also to provide livelihoods to families in need,” Angara said.

READ: Dole to deploy 240,000 Tupad workers for Brigada Eskwela

Dole allotted around P2 billion to fund short-term cash-for-work projects related to school preparation, prioritizing public schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, underserved communities, and disaster-stricken locations.

The initiative seeks to provide temporary employment to about 240,000 workers, particularly qualified parents and relatives of students, while helping schools prepare for the resumption of classes on June 8.

Apart from Dole’s assistance, several government agencies and private-sector partners have pledged resources, technical support, volunteer services, and community-based programs to support the implementation of Brigada Eskwela.

Simultaneous regional launches were also conducted in several Schools Division Offices, including those in Nueva Ecija, Batangas City, Puerto Princesa City, Talisay City, Calbayog City, and Davao City.

As part of the kickoff activities in Cabadbaran, DepEd also held a YAKAP Caravan in partnership with PhilHealth, offering free medical consultations, laboratory services, and medicines to teachers. /mcm