DepEd’s ‘Brigada Eskwela’ expands into ‘Brigada Pamilya’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education’s annual “Brigada Eskwela” drew nationwide participation last week, evolving into a wider “Brigada Pamilya” movement as schools mobilized families, educators, and stakeholders ahead of the June 8 class opening.

Beyond the usual cleaning and repainting activities, this year’s campaign widened its scope to address broader community needs, evolving into “Brigada Pamilya,” in which entire households took part in cleaning, repairing, and decorating classrooms together.

“Brigada Eskwela is no longer just about preparing physical facilities; it has become a broad celebration of families and communities,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara in a statement on Sunday.

Nationwide, parents and school stakeholders shared photos and videos of families volunteering together, often using the caption “Brigada Pamilya.”

READ: Marcos, Angara push school safety, literacy at Navotas Brigada Eskwela

Some schools highlighted the strong family turnout through friendly competitions. At Alejandra L. Navarro National High School in Davao City, one family that came with 19 members was named the winner.

The week-long activity also became a broader community festival, incorporating health, wellness, and protection services for families and even their pets.

At Taguig Integrated School, the cleanup was paired with a Zumba session, while Banaba Elementary School in San Mateo, Rizal, hosted medical and dental missions for families.

At Central I Elementary School in San Carlos City, rabies awareness seminars and free pet vaccinations and deworming were also conducted.

Tugos Elementary School principal Nerio Diolata in Camarines Norte said the strong involvement of parents and stakeholders creates a more uplifting environment for learners.

“Our stakeholders, particularly parents, offer significant help in keeping classrooms orderly and welcoming so that learners can grasp their lessons more effectively,” Diolata said.

For John Ryan Crispino, a parent from Astorga Elementary School in Capiz, the experience reflected a timeless principle of community effort. “This Brigada Eskwela reminded me of the saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ which simply means this is our collective effort and our shared commitment to build and nurture our children,” Crispino said. /das /atm